Detectives are linking the murder of a woman with a shooting in east London last night.

Police were called about 6pm on Monday after a man was shot outside an address in Gower Road, E7.

The 33-year-old victim, who is Asian, was taken by relatives to an east London hospital. He was in a serious condition late last night.

The suspect is described as Asian, aged about 30 years.

He is 5”6 tall and was seen leaving the scene in a Peugeot 306 XL five-door saloon car, which is coloured either beige or gold. It has the registration number L248 CKM.

Detectives investigating last night’s shooting later found a woman’s body, covered in a blanket, on the ground floor of a Whyteville Road, E7.

It was not known how long the woman, who was also Asian, had been dead.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said inquiries are under way to establish her identity.

“At present we are not in a position to speculate regarding the cause of her death, but await a post mortem examination, which is yet to be scheduled.” The Serious Crime Directorate East is investigating both incidents under the leadership of DI Ian Stevenson and an incident room has been set up at Forest Gate police station.

“We are urgently appealing for help tracing the suspect seen leaving the scene of the shooting in the Peugeot. It is believed that he has links with the Bradford area.” “We are also appealing for anyone who witnessed the shooting or who has information about the woman's death to contact the incident room.” Anyone who knows his whereabouts or has seen the Peugeot car is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8217 5351 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 as soon as possible.