A suspect is in custody after four people believed to be homeless were found dead in Manhattan.

Police say the victims were attacked with a metal object around 2 a.m. this morning.

They were found on Bowery Street near Doyers Street as well as East Broadway off Catherine Street in Chinatown.

We're also told a fifth person is in critical condition.

We spoke to someone who lives in the neighborhood and says he is shocked by the violence.

"Well that sounds totally unlike anything I've ever seen in this neighborhood. I've been here for a while; I've never seen any violence at all,” said one person.

“I was homeless before and how can you do that to a homeless person? We, we all try to live together, we have from different backgrounds, different lives, but we're all human," said another.

The identity of the 24-year-old man in custody has not been released, but he is believed to be homeless.

Police are expected to hold a news conference later this morning.