Hundreds of people have gathered in Nightingale Road after a woman was beheaded in an apparent machete attack this afternoon.

The atmosphere in the area is one of confusion as police have so far been reluctant to confirm exactly what happened earlier today.

Forensic officers were seen entering a house around ten minutes ago.

Around 30 police officers are still heavily guarding the area at St Mary's Road and Goodwin Road.

According to witnesses, a man was seen beheading cats with a machete before a woman was stabbed in a front garden.

Commander Simon Letchford from the Metropolitan Police is due to be giving a statement to the media at 5.30pm.