Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Damilola Taylor, Scotland Yard said.

The individuals were taken into custody for questioning in south London in relation to the killing of the 10-year-old boy in Peckham, south London.

The youngster was stabbed on his way home from school in November 2000.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bill Griffiths of the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Directorate described the arrests as "significant developments".

He said: "These significant developments today are the result of a determined effort to establish the truth of what happened on that day.

"I pay tribute to Mr and Mrs Taylor for their patience, understanding and support throughout the course of this investigation."

A prosecution was brought against four youths in 2002, but two defendants were acquitted on the direction of the judge and the remaining two were found not guilty by a jury.

The investigation into the schoolboy's murder remained ongoing and is led by Detective Chief Inspector Nick Ephgrave.

Mr Ephgrave confirmed that Damilola's parents had been kept informed of the latest developments.