A woman was taken to hospital after she was stabbed in her back last night (July 8).

Emergency services were called to St Johns Road in Newbury Park near Ilford at around 8.05pm.

Police say the 27-year-old was attacked by a man riding a bicycle and she was taken to hospital for treatment.

The Metropolitan Police say her injuries have been assessed and they are not life-threatening or life-changing.

The suspect on the bike is said to have travelled in the direction of Buxton Road. He remains on the run at this time and detectives are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Chief Inspector Chris Byrne said: "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."

The stabbing in St Johns Road is around two miles away from where 35-year-old Zara Aleena was killed in Cranbrook Road near Gants Hill.

Jordan McSweeney, 29, of Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, east London, is currently remanded in custody accused of her murder.

Ch Insp Byrne 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.

"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."

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD7258/8Jul.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11 or at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/