Two people were killed and a third left fighting for his life after an horrific triple shooting in in south-east London.

It is thought armed men wearing balaclavas and ski masks burst into an Upper Norwood home and gunned down those inside while they slept in their beds.

Police were called to a flat in Menlo Gardens at 6.40am on Tuesday after receiving an hysterical call telling them people had been shot.

A 21-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man, who had not been named, were found dead at the scene.

The man's twin brother, who was staying at the flat with another woman. was taken to a south London hospital where he is receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

The woman, who witnessed the gun attack but was uninjured, was treated for shock. The relationship between those targeted is not clear.

Detective Superintendent Gary Richardson from the Met's Operation Trident was called in to lead the investigation.

He said: "Shortly before the incident two black men arrived at the premises wearing ski masks and balaclavas. After going into the premises it would appear the shooting took place very quickly then they left."

Police are trying to work out how the men got past an entry system into the block of flats and whether they ran away or used a vehicle.

Det Supt Richardson added: "We have got a very distraught girl who saw them."

Police officers are waiting to interview her and the dead man's injured twin.

Menlo Gardens was cordoned off and shocked residents were escorted in and out of the building by officers while an extensive forensics operation took place.

Det Supt Richardson said police and forensics teams were due to leave the scene by Wednesday.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said at the scene: "I just wanted to go inside and see my boys. This area is changing."

Upper Norwood councillor Pat Ryan said: "I'm quite surprised really because this is generally a quiet area. It's well policed, it's a close knit community and people take great pride in the area."

He added: "People will be shocked to start with and I think we've got to reassure them."

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