NEIGHBOURS of a 5-year-old girl found dead yesterday have spoken of their shock after a murder inquiry was launched.

The Metropolitan Police announced an investigation was underway after the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

This occurred in a rented flat at a house on Leybourne Avenue.

One neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I'm just so shaken, it couldn't get more dreadful.

"I've lived on this road since 1978 and nothing like this has ever happened.

"It's a dire situation and fills me with sadness."

He added: "I know others along the street and I may have said hello to them [the family].

"The police were here all night long, almost 24 hours now."

He said that it was very much a family area with a diverse and mixed community and the large St Peter & St Paul's Catholic Church down the road.

The quiet residential Leybourne Avenue is two roads away from Lammas Park and in close proximity to Walpole Park.

Other residents were not aware of what had unfolded along the road and expressed total shock at the news.

A police cordon has been set up around the house blocking the pavement as investigations are underway.

A 31-year-old woman was arrested at the scene.