Four men arrested as detectives probe early morning attack on Chadwell Heath Lane that left Zahwa Salah Mukhtar dead
A devastated family has paid tribute to a “kind and loving” woman who was allegedly murdered outside a care home in east London, as police made a fourth arrest in their investigation.
Zahwa Salah Mukhtar, 27, was found with fatal injuries on Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford, at around 5.30am on Saturday morning. Despite desperate attempts by paramedics to save her life, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
In an emotional tribute released through the Metropolitan Police, Ms Mukhtar’s family described their profound loss and the warmth she brought to those around her.
“Zahwa was a kind and loving person with high aspirations in life and her presence brought warmth to those around her,” the family said. “She was dearly loved by her family and friends.”
They added: “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.”
The tribute comes as detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command made significant progress in their murder investigation, with four men now in custody. A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, whilst two men aged 21 and 22 were detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Yesterday, officers made a fourth arrest as part of the widening probe. Another 35-year-old man was detained on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in police custody.
Police have confirmed that those involved were believed to be known to each other, suggesting this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public. A police tent was erected in the driveway of a residential care home as forensic teams conducted detailed examinations of the scene.
Detective Superintendent Brian Hobbs, leading the investigation, appealed for witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist the inquiry.
“Our thoughts today are with the victim’s family and friends in light of this truly tragic event,” he said. “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.”
He added: “I would ask anyone who was in the area of Romford, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to speak to us.”
Local residents reported seeing a heavy police presence in the area throughout Saturday, with Chadwell Heath Lane cordoned off for several hours. One neighbour, Golam Kabir, who has lived in the area for five years, told reporters he woke around 5am and saw ambulances arriving at the scene shortly after.
The residential area, which sits on the border between the London boroughs of Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham, remains sealed off as detectives continue their investigation. A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out to establish the exact cause of death.
Ms Mukhtar’s death has shocked the local community, with residents expressing concern about safety in what is typically considered a quiet residential neighbourhood. The area around Chadwell Heath Lane includes several care homes and residential properties.
The Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command are treating the case as their top priority, with specialist officers working around the clock to piece together the circumstances leading to Ms Mukhtar’s death. Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area between 5am and 6am on Saturday morning.
Crime scene investigators were seen examining the area throughout the weekend, with officers conducting house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby properties and businesses.
A Met police spokesperson urged anyone with information to come forward: “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.”
The tragedy marks another incident of violence against women in the capital, adding to growing concerns about women’s safety on London’s streets. Campaign groups have called for increased measures to protect women from violence, particularly in the early morning and late evening hours.
As the investigation continues, Ms Mukhtar’s family are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers who will keep them updated on the progress of the case.
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