Two men have died and a third is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after four people were stabbed in a businesses premises in central London.

Police were called to Long Lane, Southwark, at 1pm on Monday and found four men had been stabbed. A 58-year-old died at the scene while three other men were taken to hospital, the Metropolitan police said. A 27-year-old has since died in hospital.

A man in his 30s has been detained in connection with the incident and is in hospital in a life-threatening condition, the force said. Another man in his 30s is also in hospital but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

DCS Emma Bond, who leads policing for the area, said: “Our investigation is in the early stages and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances of this shocking incident.

“At this point, we do not believe it to be terrorism-related and there is no further risk to the public.

“There will be a heavy police presence in the area throughout today and I would encourage anyone with information to speak with officers or contact the Met by other means.”

Natasha Ennin, Southwark council’s cabinet member for community safety and neighbourhoods, said: “I’m horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of two men in our borough. My heartfelt condolences go to their families and friends.

“Police have launched a murder investigation and have said this evening they do not believe the incident to be terrorism-related, and that there is no further risk to the public. If you can help police with information please call 101 or report online.”