Wolverhampton stabbing: Man killed sister and critically injured mother in knife attack at flat - PICTURES and VIDEO

Two police officers were also injured as the dramatic incident saw police cars, ambulances and helicopters descend on the Merry Hill area of the city today.

Unarmed officers were confronted by the knifeman as they arrived at the high-rise tower block at around 9.45am.

Armed riot officers, police dog handlers and helicopters were then scrambled to the scene at Highfield Court, off Chadwick Close.

Police used stun grenades to storm the first floor apartment at the 16-storey block in a bid distract the armed man and detain him.

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Shocked residents describe 'war zone' as armed police arrived

One officer suffered a stab wound to the arm during the dramatic police operation, while one of the unarmed officers - who tried to use their Taser - suffered a leg injury while being chased by the suspect.

A woman, aged 33, who was the man's sister, was found with fatal stab wounds and died at the tower block.

Police say the suspect, believed to be 36, is understood to have turned the knife on himself and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another woman, believed to be 59-years-old and the suspect's mother, was taken to hospital with serious stab wounds to her abdomen.

She had surgery this afternoon and remains in a critical condition.

West Midlands Police confirmed this afternoon that the incident has been passed onto the Independent Police Complaints Commission for investigation.

Wolverhampton Police Superintendent Keith Fraser, speaking at a press conference outside the flats, said: "Initially unarmed officers, not knowing what they would face, have entered the property to protect the occupants.

"They were confronted by a man armed with a knife and they deployed their Taser, which was initially ineffective.

"Armed officers have then been requested to support the unarmed officers.

"They have used stun grenades to distract the armed man."

Confirming that no shots had been fired by police, Mr Fraser added: "I want to stress that the man was armed so we had to act quickly and officers did that."

He said: "From our perspective this is a really shocking incident and our sympathies go out to the families and friends of all those involved."

He later said: "We understand the attacker and victims were known to each other but the precise nature of their relationship is unclear at this stage.

"Our officers knew there was an armed man behind the front door of that flat, they acted swiftly and with huge courage to quickly gain entry and detain the man.

"However, it was clear he too had suffered a serious knife wound and died shortly afterwards."

Officers surrounded the high-rise flats off Leasowes Drive where residents were evacuated, while three air ambulances landed on nearby Warstones Green.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Murray MacGregor 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 scene.

"Another woman was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with potentially life threatening stab wounds.

"A police officer who was sent to the scene suffered a minor injury to his arm. He was assessed by ambulance staff and was discharged after treatment."

Residents have been speaking of their shock as police descended on the scene.

Post mortem examinations are scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Warren Hines, added: "We're working hard to get to the bottom of exactly what happened.

"Anyone with information they believe could help our enquiry, anything that may have happened in the hours or days before this tragic event, I'd urge them to get in touch with me."