Two men have been arrested after two women’s bodies were found in a freezer at a flat in Canning Town East London.

Officers investigating have said two men aged 50 and 34, have been detained following the discovery of the bodies.

Detectives launched a murder enquiry after the gruesome discovery and are still trying to formally identify the deceased.

The remains were found by officers when they were called to Vandome Close, Canning Town.

On Tuesday, 30 April, a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody.

A 50-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday, 29 April remains in custody.

There are fears that one of the deceased may be Mary Jane Mustafa, 38, after she vanished mysteriously last May.

The last time she had been seen was in May 2018 on her way to the shops with just £3 and her phone in her pocket.

Her older sister told the MailOnline today: “It’s my baby sister… I can’t believe she is dead.”

The owner of the flat in East London is known according to the neighbours as a registered sex offender.

As part of police work to identify the deceased and trace their next of kin, the suspects have been held at a police station in East London.

Following concerns about the welfare of an occupant, police were called to a flat on Friday 26th April.

To help the investigation, police showed photos to the residents to try and help formally identify the deceased.

She was always nice, charming,” said one resident, who added that the woman had a history of drug abuse.

Local councillors were walking around the area near Custom House station to reassure residents and collect facts.

Cllr James Beckles, the cabinet member for crime and community safety said:

“This was a horrific crime and the council is working closely with the police to get to the bottom of it,”

“We’re encouraging residents to provide evidence to police confidentially.”

The discovery of the bodies left nearby residents shaken.

One man who lives in the block and who did not want to be named, said:

“I’m astonished, it’s a little community. We’re all tight-knit around here, everybody knows everybody.”

A spokesperson for the met said: “A crime scene is in place and we would encourage anyone with information about what may have happened at this premises to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 4303/26APR.”.