Two people are dead and two injured after a stabbing in Wolverhampton, in the English West Midlands, emergency services have confirmed.
A woman, believed to be in her 30s, died at the scene, while the male suspect, also believed to be in his 30s, died shortly after stabbing himself.
A woman in her 50s is being treated for potentially life-threatening stab wounds to her stomach, West Midlands police say.
A police officer suffered a minor injury and was assessed and discharged at the scene.
Helicopters, police dogs and officers in riot uniform were dispatched to the incident at an address in Warstones.
It is understood police used stun grenades during the police operation, which began shortly after 9:40am local time on Wednesday.
Nearby St Michael’s school was placed on lockdown but later reopened. Residents in neighboring flats were ordered to leave their properties.
A West Midlands ambulance service (WMAS) spokesman said: “A man and woman estimated to be in their 30s had suffered very serious stab wounds. Sadly, despite best efforts by ambulance staff, it was not possible to save either of them and they were confirmed dead at the scene."
In a statement, West Midlands Police said: “Two people have died following a domestic stabbing in Wolverhampton this morning (Weds 8 March).
“Police were called to a block of flats in Leasowes Drive, in the Merry Hill area of the city, at around 9:45am where it is believed a man attacked two women before inflicting stab injuries on himself.
“Officers used stun grenades as they stormed the flat in a bid to distract and detain the knifeman.”
“Another woman, believed to be in her 50s, has been taken to hospital with critical stomach wounds while a police officer was treated for minor injuries,” Police added.