Schoolgirl raped late at night near the brewery in Romford, sparking major police response

A manhunt is under way after a 15-year-old schoolgirl was raped in an underpass near a busy east London shopping centre late on Sunday night.

Police raced to the scene in St Edwards Way, Romford, at around 11.35pm after receiving reports that a girl had been sexually assaulted. The area, which links London Road and the High Street near The Brewery leisure complex, was quickly cordoned off by forensic teams.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is now being supported by specialist officers. Detectives from the Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation and have stepped up uniformed patrols across the town in a bid to reassure residents.

A spokesman for the force said: “On Sunday, 22 June at 11.36pm, police were called to reports of a girl being raped in an underpass on St Edwards Way. Officers attended immediately and assisted the victim, a 15-year-old girl, who is now receiving care from specialist officers. A crime scene remains in place, and our enquiries continue.”

The horrific incident has shocked the local community. Councillor David Taylor, who represents the Havering borough, expressed his deep concern. “I am devastated by the news,” he said. “This will leave many women afraid to walk alone in our town. I have written to senior officers and called for an urgent public meeting. I pray justice is served for the young woman who was assaulted.”

Police have not made any arrests but say they are doing everything possible to identify and capture the suspect. Officers are urging anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward with information, no matter how small it may seem.

The underpass, a well-used pedestrian route during both day and night, is located just yards from Romford’s main shopping and entertainment complex. The route is often used by late-night revellers and shift workers. Some locals have raised concerns over the safety of the walkway in the past, particularly after dark.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “There’s barely any lighting down there. I’ve always felt uneasy walking through it, especially after hours. What happened to that poor girl is terrifying, but sadly not surprising given the state of security in that area.”

The Met Police acknowledged community fears and confirmed that more officers would be deployed in and around Romford in the coming days. “We understand the concern this has caused,” said a spokesperson. “We are increasing police visibility and encouraging anyone with concerns to speak to our officers directly.”

The investigation is ongoing and police are reviewing CCTV from surrounding businesses and traffic cameras in a bid to identify the suspect. They have also appealed for dashcam footage from any drivers who passed through the area between 11pm and midnight on Sunday night.

Local authorities and victim support services have also been mobilised. Outreach workers have been dispatched to nearby schools and youth centres to offer guidance and emotional assistance to teenagers who may feel anxious in the aftermath of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting reference CAD 7492/22Jun, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.