A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder by detectives investigating the deaths of two women found five months apart. Scotland Yard said police found one of the women unresponsive at a block of flats on the Aylesbury Estate in Walworth, southeast London, on March 17.

Police have identified her as Carmenza Trujillo, 53, adding that despite the best efforts of emergency workers, including paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem was unable to determine a cause of death and a police investigation was launched, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Officers went on to arrest a 40-year-old man on suspicion of murder on April 1. He was released under investigation as enquiries continued.

The second woman, 39, was found unresponsive in High Road, Tottenham, north London, at about 7.30am on August 24. She was pronounced dead at the scene and has been identified as Sheryl Wilkins.

A post-mortem again failed to deliver a cause of death, sparking another investigation.

The 40-year-old man was arrested on Thursday (September 4) by the Met’s Specialist Crime team on suspicion of murdering Sheryl and re-arrested on suspicion of murdering Carmenza. He remains in custody.

Det Ch Insp Neil John, leading the investigation, said: "My sympathy goes to the family and friends of both victims, who have been updated on this development and continue to be supported by specialist officers.

"No woman should feel unsafe in our city and we know this news will cause concern across communities. Our investigation is continuing at pace and remains a priority.

"I urge anyone who has information relating to either incident to contact us as soon as possible."

Police can be contacted on 101, quoting 1721/24AUG. If you wish to stay anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.