Family pays tribute to 'kind and loving' woman, 27

Zahwa Salah Mukhtar's family said she was "dearly loved"

A family has paid tribute to a "kind and loving" 27-year-old woman, after police launched a murder investigation into her death.

Zahwa Salah Mukhtar died at the scene on Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford, after being attacked in the early hours of Saturday morning, police said.

Her family said: "Zahwa was a kind and loving person with high aspirations in life and her presence brought warmth to those around her. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever."

The Met Police said it had arrested four people, who remain in custody.

A man, 35, was arrested on Sunday evening on suspicion of assisting an offender, the force added.

It followed the arrest of a 35-year-old man on suspicion of murder, and two men, aged 21 and 22, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police and ambulance crews were called at about 05:30 BST on Saturday to a woman who had been assaulted in Chadwell Heath Lane.

Ms Mukhtar's family said: "Zahwa's tragic loss has left us heartbroken, and she will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was dearly loved by her family and friends."

Det Sup 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."