Detectives are investigating an incident in Ilford during which a woman sustained stab injuries.

Police were called at approximately 20:05hrs on Friday, 8 June, to reports of a stabbing in St Johns Road, Ilford.

Officers attended and found a 27-year-old woman suffering stab injuries to her back. The woman was taken to hospital where her injuries have been assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.

Detectives from the Met’s East Area CID are investigating. They are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

Ch Inspector Chris Byrne, East Area BCU, said: “I know that this attack on a woman, coming so soon after the tragic murder of Zara Aleena, will be of great concern to Londoners and particularly to people in Ilford. Of course, my colleagues and I share those concerns and we are working hard to do everything possible to keep people safe.

“The woman was attacked last night by a male riding a bicycle, who rode away in the direction of Buxton Road, Ilford. We are determined to identify and arrest this person and our investigation will explore every line of inquiry, including a search for any available CCTV.

“Local people will have seen more police officers in the Ilford area since the murder of Zara Aleena two weeks ago. We have deployed additional resources to the local area including officers who specialise in tackling violent crime. We will continue to adjust our plans to ensure that officers are visible and available to support the community this weekend and in subsequent days. If you have any concerns or information, please do speak with those officers.”

There has been no arrest at this time; enquiries into the circumstances continue.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD7258/8Jul. Alternatively, you can provide information to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11