A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was stabbed to death in her own home in Westminster.

Police were contacted on Sunday (April 7) by the woman’s friends who were worried about her.

At around 8.30am yesterday (April 8), police went to her address in Stanhope Place.

They forced entry into the property and found the woman dead with stab wounds.

Police are working to trace her next of kin and a post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

No arrests have been made at this time.

If you have any information, police ask that you get in touch quoting ref CAD 6784/7 Apr.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Clifton from the Met's Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said: "I understand this news will be concerning, and that local women especially may be worried.

“Our enquiries are in the very early stages and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive, however I can assure people that my team are working 24/7 to establish what happened to the woman, and to identify and arrest whoever may be responsible for this attack.

"My officers now need support and information from the public.

“I want to ask local people to check doorbell cameras, and for drivers in the area to think about whether they've seen anything unusual that might have been captured on dash cam.

“Did you notice any unusual activity at the address? If you did then it is imperative that we hear from you."

Chief Superintendent Louise Puddefoot, lead for policing in Westminster, said: "Our thoughts are with the woman and her family.

“My officers will do everything we can to support the investigation and they will be stationed in the area to speak to anyone who has any information or concerns they want to share with us."