While police forensic teams searched the Verona House tower block and surrounding roads for clues, residents spoke about living in fear of drug dealers.

Police were called to a third floor flat in the building at 3am today and found one teenager dead from stab wounds and two more injured.

Both were taken to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

One youth has since been discharged and one remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police have not named the dead teenager or the other two victims of the attack which they believe may have happened following an altercation with a suspect or suspects who then left the flat.

Crowds from neighbouring blocks gathered on the police tap boundary watching as forensic teams combed the road and gutters of Waterhead Close.

Residents waiting to be allowed back into their homes spoke about a problem with drugs in the fifteen floor block of flats - with needles in the lifts and people visiting at all hours of the night and day to buy drugs from the dealers who live there.

One resident - a mum with a young daughter said: "There are needles in the lifts but the council won't do anything.

"I don't go out after 5pm - I daren't go out.

"People go in there for drugs - It is rife, it always has been."

Another woman, whose mother lives in a neighbouring block said: "Drugs are a real problem.

"When you walk past in the evening you can smell the cannabis in the air."

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111