The family of a woman who died following an attack outside a care home in east London have described her as “kind and loving”, as detectives continue to question four men in connection with her death.
Zahwa Salah Mukhtar, 27, was found with fatal injuries on Chadwell Heath Lane at around 5.30am on Saturday. Despite efforts from paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Metropolitan police confirmed on Sunday that a fourth man had been arrested as part of the murder investigation. A 35-year-old was detained on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in custody. He joins a 35-year-old arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 21-year-old and 22-year-old held on suspicion of assisting an offender. All four remain in custody.
Detectives believe those involved were 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.”
In a tribute, Mukhtar’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.”
Enquiries into the circumstances of her death are ongoing, with police appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
