A woman was found killed in an east London flat after residents heard “bloodcurdling” screams and police officers swooped on the property. 

Two men said to be known to the victim were arrested on suspicion of murder and were being questioned at separate police stations on Monday.

Officers were called to the housing block on Ellen Street, Whitechapel just before 8.30am on Sunday after concerns were raised about the woman’s welfare.

The victim, thought to be in her thirties or forties, found unresponsive inside the flat in Hadfield House and pronounced dead at the scene.

She is believed to have suffered a number of injuries, including stab wounds.  

A ground-floor resident said: “I was woken by a massive commotion. I thought it was local boys shouting but then I heard a name and a woman.  

“I couldn’t work out what they were saying but it was loud and sounded violent, there were bloodcurdling screams.” 

Another said: “We heard shouting and screaming then police were literally everywhere.”  

Detectives believe they know her identity and are working to inform next of kin. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.  

A man, in his thirties, was arrested near the scene and remains in custody at an east London police station.  

A 24-year-old man is being questioned at a south London police station.  

Met homicide detectives said the deceased and arrested men are believed to have been known to each other.  

Forensic officers were today seen searching for clues and sifting through rubbish in the communal bin area. 

A police cordon remained in place around Ellen Street. Officers guarded several doors in the four first block. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 02083453865, quoting ref CAD1612/21 Jan, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.