Two Metropolitan Police officers have been arrested after allegedly taking "inappropriate" photos of the scene where two sisters were murdered.

Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry - aged 27 and 46 - were stabbed to death in a park after a socially distanced birthday celebration.

The sisters, whose parents live in Ramsgate, were found dead in Fryent Country Park in Brent, London, just before 1.10pm on June 7.

Last Wednesday, the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards was informed of allegations that "non-official and inappropriate photographs" had been taken by police at the crime scene.

The MPS made an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which launched an independent investigation.

Two Met officers were arrested on Monday by the IOPC on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

They have since been bailed to return pending further enquiries into the "very serious allegations".

Both officers - who are based on the North East Command - have been suspended from duty.

Commander Paul Brogden of the Met Police said: “I am horrified and disgusted by the nature of these allegations; a sentiment which will be shared by colleagues throughout the organisation.

"If true, these actions are morally reprehensible and anyone involved will be robustly dealt with."

He confirmed that senior representatives from the Met and IOPC have visited Bibaa and Nicole's parents Chris and Wilhelmina Smallman, from Ramsgate, to inform them of the serious allegations.

"This deeply disturbing information will no doubt have created additional trauma for a family who are already grieving the devastating loss of two loved ones," he said.

"I can only start to imagine the impact of this; and I’d like to sincerely apologise to them for this further burden.

“I know that the wider community will share our shock and repulsion at these allegations and whilst our focus remains with Bibaa and Nicole’s family we are also listening to the concerns our communities and key stakeholders will want to raise about these allegations.”

Detectives investigating the murders believe that Bibaa and Nicole were killed in the early hours of June 6.

Later that day, they were reported as missing to police when they did not return home. Their bodies were discovered the following day.

The women's parents have spoken of their devastation and paid tribute to their daughters following the tragic stabbing.

"The greatest fear of any parent is that they will outlive their children," said Chris and Wilhelmina Smallman. "What makes our situation unique is that two adored sisters were murdered together on the same night.

"The grief we feel is palpable, our beautiful and talented daughters gone.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen, heard, or know something to please contact the police who are investigating what has happened to our daughters, Bibaa and Nicole."

Detectives have released photographs taken of the victims prior to the murders which they believe could help them to identify the attacker, now confirmed to be man.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet