Police are appealing to the public for help in tracing a man they need to speak with "urgently" after two murders in Westminster on Thursday and Friday (August 19-20).

An image of 49-year-old Lee Peacock was released by the Met Police late on Friday evening "following the discovery of bodies at separate addresses in Westminster".

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, the lead investigator said: "I would urge anybody that knows the whereabouts of Lee Peacock to contact police immediately by calling 999.

"If seen, we would urge the public not to approach him, but contact police as soon as possible."

The Met Police described how at 9.34pm on Thursday, officers attended an address on Ashbridge Street (NW8) after concerns were raised for the wellbeing of the occupants.

On searching the property they found a 45-year-old woman who had suffered a knife injury. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said her next of kin have been identified, while a formal identification awaits.

Just hours later on Friday, around 2.15am, police were alerted by the London Ambulance Service to reports of a man with a knife injury at a property in nearby Jerome Crescent, NW8.

Officers attended with paramedics who confirmed that the 59-year-old man was deceased.

The man's next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers. Formal identification awaits.

Police said that post-mortem examinations in both cases would be scheduled "in due course".

A homicide investigation, led by Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, has been launched, with no arrests made so far.

DCI Jolley, added the following statement: "Firstly, our thoughts are with the families of the victims. We can only begin to imagine what they are going through. At this early stage we are retaining an open mind concerning motive, but at this stage we are treating these crimes as linked. We are very keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious around Ashbridge Street, or Jerome Crescent overnight. No matter how small or insignificant you think your information might be, please do get in touch."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious should call 101, giving the reference 7227/19AUG.

Information can also be provided 100 per cent anonymously to Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.