A woman was taken away in handcuffs “covered in blood” after a four-year-old boy was killed in a knife attack in east London, a neighbour has said.

Police were called to an address in Montague Road, Hackney, on Wednesday night following concerns about the welfare of a child.

Inside, officers found the boy who had suffered knife injuries and arrested a 41-year-old woman who was known to him.

The child was taken to hospital but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he later died from his injuries.

A local woman in the quiet and leafy neighbourhood told the PA news agency that a “loving family” lived at the address.

The 36-year-old hairdresser, who asked not to be named but could see the address from her home, said police forced entry to a flat on the top floor before taking away a woman who was “covered in blood and screaming”.

The neighbour said they “seemed like a loving family” and added: “We often saw the boy playing on his scooter. He was happy and energetic.

“The woman was taken out in handcuffs. She was in her pyjamas. She was covered in blood and screaming.

“About an hour later the child was taken away. Two police officers also left (and they were) shaking.”

The Met Police said earlier on Thursday they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and that the boy’s next of kin had been informed.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: “This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.

“We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.

“Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young child’s death, and the events that led up to it.

“This incident occurred within the home and, while there is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.”