Woman 'murdered' outside Romford care home with killer still on the run

A manhunt is underway in amurder investigation after a young woman was killed outside a care home.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called Chadwell Heath, east London, just after 5.30am on Saturday after reports of an assault. Paramedics also attended but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene in Chadwell Heath Lane, the force said. The woman has not yet been formally identified, police said, but officers believe she was aged in her 20s.

Her family have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers, the force added. No-one has yet been arrested in connection with the incident.

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Detective Superintendent Brian Hobbs has made an appeal to the public asking for anyone who may have "seen or heard anything suspicious" to get in touch. He added that people are likely to see more officers than usual in the area while the incident is investigated.

He stated: “Our thoughts today are with the victim’s family and friends in light of this truly tragic event.

“Local residents will see an increased number of officers in and around the area while our investigative work is carried out. I want to thank residents for their patience while this continues. I would ask anyone who was in the area of Romford, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to come forward to us.”

The full statement from police read: "On Saturday, 16 August at 05:34hrs police were called to Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford following reports of an assault.

"Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, but despite their best efforts, the woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Although formal identification has yet to take place, officers believe the victim was in her twenties.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course. The woman’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers. We await formal identification. No arrests have yet been made at this early stage in the investigation."

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police via 101 quoting 1625/16Aug, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.