Two crime scenes are in place after reports of a "serious sexual assault" in Romford town centre in the early hours of this morning.

Police officers received reports of a "serious" sexual assault in Exchange Street, Romford, between 1am and 2am on Friday (August 16).

A crime scene was put in place in the area, but police tape was also spotted in Heathway, Dagenham.

The Metropolitan Police later confirmed the two crime scenes were linked.

Police tape in Dagenham this morning was linked to a 'serious sexual assault' in Romford (Image: Mantas Zulonas)

A Met spokesperson said that while officers were on patrol near Heathway - at around 3.40 am this morning - a member of the public reported being assaulted in another borough not connected to the Heathway, or Barking and Dagenham.

READ MORE: Dagenham Heathway: Police tape in place after assault report

As the woman reported the incident in the Heathway, a crime scene was also put in place there to "preserve any evidence to assist their investigation" into the assault. 

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "A crime scene has been put in place on Exchange Street, RM1, after officers received reports of a serious sexual assault which is alleged to have taken place in this area at around 1am t 2am on Friday, August 16, 2024."

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call police on 101 quoting CAD: 868/16AUG24.