Morgan Freeman's step-granddaughter stabbed to death

Actor Morgan Freeman paid tribute to the "artistry and talent" of his step granddaughter Edena Hines who died today after being stabbed multiple times in New York.

New York Police were called to a Manhattan apartment at 3am and found the 33-year-old with multiple stab wounds to the torso.

She was then taken to Harlem Hospital where was was pronounced dead

Freeman issued a statement saying: "The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer."

He added: "Her friends and family were fortunate enough to have known what she meant as a person. Her star will continue to shine bright in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace. "

A 30-year-old man was arrested after being found kneeling over Hines.

He was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and is currently undergoing psychiatric evaluation.

In a Facebook post, Freeman said the death of his step granddaughter was "tragic and senseless".

Morgan was married to Edena's grandmother Jeanette until 1979. He later married second wife Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984, but the pair split in 2010.