Extra police will be on the streets today after a teenager was stabbed to death last night – the second person to be killed in Hackney in a matter of hours.

Two 17-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of murder over the attack at the junction of Link Street and Morning Lane.

Police on patrol at 8pm were flagged down by a driver who told them a fight had taken place nearby.

They found the 18-year-old with stab wounds at the junction with Link Street and an off-duty paramedic gave emergency first aid until ambulance crews and the air ambulance arrived. Medics fought to save his life but he died at 8.25pm.

His next of kin has been informed and a post-mortem examination has been scheduled.

The teenager becomes the sixth person to be killed in Hackney this year and takes the toll across London to more than 50.

Hours earlier and less than two miles away a 53-year-old man died following a fight in Betfred bookmakers, Upper Clapton Road. There have been no arrests in that case.

Hackney’s police chief Ch Supt Sue Williams said extra officers would be on the streets today. She said: “Our thoughts are with the friends and families of both men at this awful time.

“My officers were flagged down to the Link Street incident and did all they could to try to save the life of the teenager. They are devastated they were unable to prevent yet another tragic death in the capital.

“I completely understand how alarmed and worried the local community will be at hearing the news this morning.

“We are working hard to prevent further violence and keep people safe – we have extra officers on the streets, both highly visible and in plain clothes carrying out a range of intelligence-led operations and patrols.”

Ch Supt Williams said the community needed to work together to tackle violent crime.

Anyone with information about either incident can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.