British police launched a murder inquiry today following the fatal stabbing of a nurse at a hospital.
The victim, a woman in her 30s, was stabbed in the grounds of St George's Hospital in Suttons Lane, Hornchurch, Essex.
She was found by fellow members of staff in a garden-type area at the rear of the hospital just after 11am.
Police, London Ambulance Service and air ambulance attended, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Nobody has been arrested in connection with the stabbing.
The hospital, run by Havering Primary Care Trust, provides mainly community services for children, adults and the elderly. It is not thought to have an accident and emergency department.
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "Police were called at 11.09am today to reports of a female suffering stab wounds at St George's Hospital in Suttons Lane, Hornchurch.
"Police, LAS (London Ambulance Service), and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) attended. The victim, believed to be in her thirties, was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The victim has yet to be formally identified. Next of kin have not yet been informed."
Detectives say they are keeping an open mind about the circumstances of the attack. The investigation will be handled by the Yard's Specialist Crime Directorate.
PA