Murder probe launched after man beaten 'with baseball bats' in east London

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was beaten to death by attackers thought to be wielding baseball bats, police said.

The man was found injured in High Road, Ilford, east London, in the early hours of Sunday morning after being beaten by a group of men, the Metropolitan Police said.

London Ambulance Service attended the scene and the man was taken to an east London hospital, but was pronounced dead at about 4.30am.

The Met said inquiries are under way to identify the man and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

No arrests have been made and police said they are keeping an open mind regarding a motive.

Local road closures have been put in place and buses have been re-routed.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward and said anyone with information should call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.