Police make further arrest in Romford murder investigation

Police have now made a fourth arrest in relation to a murder investigation in Romford.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on the evening of Sunday, 17 August on suspicion of assisting an offender and he remains in police custody.

This is in addition to a 35-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder, alongside a 21-year-old and 22-year-old who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All four men remain in police custody.

A murder investigation was launched on Saturday, 16 August after police and the London Ambulance Service were alerted to a woman who had been assaulted in Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford at around 05:30hrs.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman has been identified as 27-year-old Zahwa Salah Mukhtar. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

Early enquiries by detectives indicate this is an isolated incident and those involved are believed to be known to each other.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hobbs said: “Our thoughts today are with the victim’s family and friends in light of this truly tragic event.

“Although we have now made arrests, local residents will continue to see an increased number of officers in and around the area while our investigative work is carried out.

“I would ask anyone who was in the area of Romford, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to speak to us.”

Zahwa’s family said:

“Zahwa was a kind and loving person with high aspirations in life and her presence brought warmth to those around her.

“She was dearly loved by her family and friends.

“Zahwa’s tragic loss has left us heartbroken, and she will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

“Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.”

If you saw anything, or have any information then please contact police via 101 quoting 1625/16Aug. Alternatively, to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.