Woman stabbed to death in office

The victim was stabbed in the chest and neck

A receptionist has been stabbed to death at a college office for overseas students in east London.

The 23-year-old was stabbed in her chest and neck in the Monday evening attack, in Balaam Street, Plaistow.

Immediately before the attack a 29-year-old suspect was seen in the area wearing a wig and Phantom of the Opera-style mask, police said.

He has been arrested and is being treated in hospital for a neck injury. A second woman was also injured.

She suffered a minor stab wound to the shoulder and was taken to hospital before being discharged.

Face mask

Detectives at Scotland Yard said the suspect knew the dead woman, who has not yet been named.

They said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the inquiry.

They were just two very innocent-looking girls who did not look like they would cause any harm to anyone Najeeb Hussain, student

Det Ch Insp Bob Mahoney said: "The suspect was seen immediately before the incident in the local area wearing a black curly wig and a Phantom of the Opera-style face mask."

He is now in a stable condition in hospital.

The incident took place at about 1800 BST on Monday at the office, located above a shop, registered to St George's College.

On its website, the college says it "caters to the needs of students from around the world who desire to further their formal education".

Business diploma student Najeeb Hussain, 28, said the two women were both Asian and "very pretty". He believed their families were from east London.

Mr Hussain added: "They were just two very innocent-looking girls who did not look like they would cause any harm to anyone."