Police are appealing for information after a woman was raped in an "abhorrent crime" during a broad daylight burglary in a quiet residential street.

Officers were called to a road in Woodford Green to reports of the rape and aggravated burglary at 12.30pm on Wednesday (July 15).

Paramedics arrived at the scene around 15 minutes later and treated a woman, reported to be in her 30s, before taking her to hospital.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command are investigating.

Detective inspector Peter Howarth said: "This is an abhorrent crime suffered by a woman who was at the premises, but I can reassure the community that my officers are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

"I appeal to anyone with information to contact us."

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Conservative Hale End and Highams Park councillor, Sheree Rackham, is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

She said: "I am very shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible events reported on Wednesday, in what is normally a very safe and secure neighbourhood.

"I urge anyone with any information, however small, to come forward and report this to police."

Conservative Church End councillor Tom McLaren said he was “deeply shocked” when he heard about the incident.

He said: “It is a shocking crime and it is awful that this has happened.

“Hopefully this is a one-off incident because this is not the type of crime that usually happens in Woodford Green.

“It is usually relatively safer than other parts of Redbridge with most crime being vehicle thefts and property break-ins.

“My heart goes out to the people involved and I hope the perpetrators are caught.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call police on 020 8217 9874.

If you wish to provide information anonymously please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.