Man 'with a machete' who ran away from scene of 'unexplained' death in London arrested on suspicion of murder

Victim found with was first thought to be a stab or slash wound

Scotland Yards stressed it had not launched a murder investigation. (Google Maps)

A man who was was seen "with a machete" as he ran away from the scene of an "unexplained" death in London, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The victim, a man in his mid-40s, was pronounced dead after he was found with an injury in Harrow that was first thought to be a stab or slash wound.

Scotland Yard said they arrested a male nearby on suspicion of murder after officers were told he had been seen running from the scene in Northolt Road in possession of a machete.

He remains in custody at a north London police station as detectives investigate whether the weapon was used.

London's Metropolitan Police stressed it had not launched a murder investigation, but instead was treating the death as "unexplained".

A post-mortem examination will confirm whether the wounds were recent or pre-existing, the force said.

Officers remain on the scene and will be trawling through CCTV footage to find out what happened.

Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas said on Twitter: "I am very concerned to hear reports of a recent fatal attack in South Harrow in my constituency."

Mr Thomas said he was in contact with police and the local council, adding: "My thoughts are with the victim and their family."

London's Air Ambulance was called just before 3.15pm. The victim was treated for his injury, but was pronounced dead at the scene shortly afterwards.

"Sadly, despite the efforts of medics, a person died at the scene," a London Ambulance Service spokesman said.

Police said the victim has not been formally identified and his next of kin are yet to be informed.

Press Association