A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman and two children were stabbed in east London.

Police were called at approximately 17:35 BST on Friday to reports of three people injured in First Avenue, Dagenham.

A woman believed to be in her 30s and two children – a girl believed to be eight and a boy aged two – were found suffering from stab wounds, the Met Police said. They were taken to hospital for treatment.

A man was arrested at the scene but was taken to hospital after he became unwell. He has since been transferred to police custody, the force added.

None of the three people injured have life-threatening injuries.

Det Supt Lewis Basford, who is responsible for policing in Barking and Dagenham, said investigators “believe those involved were known to each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident”.

“This is a truly shocking attack and I want to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we deal with this incident,” he added.

“A crime scene will remain in place for some time while our officers carry out vital work and you will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.”

Police officers, the London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance attended the scene, the Met continued.

It said anyone with information about what happened should call the police or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.