Police flood area with patrols as forensic teams comb scene – while terrified locals demand answers over late-night attack near The Brewery
A major police manhunt is underway after a 15-year-old girl was subjected to a horrific rape attack in an underpass near one of East London’s busiest shopping centres.
The teenager was assaulted on St Edwards Way, close to The Brewery shopping centre in Romford, shortly before 11.35pm on Sunday evening, with police racing to the scene within minutes of the traumatic incident.
Two days later, the underpass remains sealed off as forensic teams meticulously search for evidence that could lead them to the attacker who remains at large.
Community in shock
The brutal assault has sent shockwaves through Romford, with local residents expressing fear and anger that such an attack could happen in the heart of their community.
police cordons blocking entrances from both London Road and High Street serve as a stark reminder of Sunday night’s horror, while an increased police presence attempts to reassure anxious locals.
Forensic officers in white suits were spotted combing the scene on Monday evening, gathering crucial evidence in the race to catch the perpetrator.
Teenage victim’s ordeal
The young victim, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, is being cared for by specialist officers trained in supporting survivors of sexual assault.
Metropolitan Police confirmed they were alerted at 11.36pm on Sunday – just one minute after receiving reports of the attack – highlighting the immediate response to the emergency call.
The teenager now faces the long road to recovery while investigators work around the clock to bring her attacker to justice.
Hunt for attacker intensifies
Despite the swift police response and ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made in the crucial early stages of the inquiry.
Detectives are urgently appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area around the time of the attack, particularly anyone who noticed suspicious behaviour near the underpass.
The Met has set up a dedicated incident line, urging anyone with information to call 101 and quote reference 8238/22June.
Safety fears grip community
The location of the attack – a busy underpass connecting major roads near a popular shopping destination – has heightened concerns about safety in the area.
Local residents have taken to social media expressing their shock, with many women saying they now feel unsafe using the underpass, particularly after dark.
One local mother, who asked not to be named, said: “My daughter uses that underpass to get home from work. This is absolutely terrifying.”
Police response and reassurance
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson acknowledged the impact on the community: “We understand the concern this has caused in the community and people can expect to see an increased police presence in the area.
Officers are conducting additional patrols around The Brewery and surrounding streets as they work to restore confidence while the investigation continues.
The force is also reviewing CCTV footage from the shopping centre and nearby businesses in hopes of identifying the attacker.
Urgent appeal for information
As the manhunt enters its third day, police are stressing the importance of community cooperation in solving this heinous crime.
Detectives are particularly keen to hear from:
- Anyone who was in the St Edwards Way area between 11pm and midnight on Sunday
- Drivers with dashcam footage from the vicinity
- Local residents or businesses with private CCTV systems
Detective sources suggest the attacker may have been familiar with the area, given the specific location chosen for the assault.
A community united
While fear grips Romford, there’s also a strong sense of solidarity, with locals rallying to support the investigation and each other.
Women’s safety groups have announced plans for increased patrols and buddy systems for those needing to travel through the area after dark.
The message from both police and community is clear: this predator must be caught before they can strike again.
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to contact police immediately on 101, quoting reference 8238/22June.
Subway pedestrian underpass beside St Edward’s Way, Romford
Photo by Des Blenkinsopp, taken on 8 April 2015, used under the Creative Commons Attribution‑ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license
