French students murdered in London

Two French exchange students found dead in a house fire in east London had been stabbed to death, police have revealed.

The bodies of Laurent Bonomo and Gabriel Ferez, who were studying on an exchange programme at Imperial College, were found by fire-fighters in a New Cross apartment on Sunday.

Autopsies have now shown they died from multiple stab wounds in the head, neck and chest, according to Scotland Yard.

It is thought the fire was started to cover up the double murder.

The students, both in their 20s, had been studying at Imperial College since May, working on research in Imperial’s Department of Life Sciences.

In a message to Imperial staff and students, Rector Sir Roy Anderson said:

“Our immediate thoughts are with their families. Laurent and Gabriel had bright futures ahead of them and it is dreadful that their lives should end so soon.”

Det Chief Insp Mick Duthie said: "I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of Sterling Gardens at any time over the weekend, and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious near the address, to get in touch.

"I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anyone near the premises around 21.30 on Sunday."