Police probe launched as woman dies outside of care home

Police have launched a murder investigation after a young woman was fatally assaulted in east London in the early hours of the morning. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford, just after 5.30am on Saturday following reports of an assault.

Paramedics also attended but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, the force said. The woman has not yet been formally identified, police said, but officers believe she was in her twenties. Her family have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers, the force added.

The woman was attacked outside a care home, The Sun reports.

Photos from the scene show a police cordon in place.

No-one has yet been arrested in connection with the incident.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hobbs said: "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."

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.