A WOMAN was threatened at gunpoint by a gang who stole her car, in the latest of a series of violent carjackings

The 22-year-old was also threatened with a hammer by the three men in Wanstead who demanded she hand over her car keys.

It is yet another gun crime to hit the area. Two weeks ago the Guardian reported four carjackings in Woodford Green and Hainault, where motorists were held up at gunpoint and forced to hand over their cars.

Last week, the Guardian also published details of how a woman was attacked at gunpoint outside a police station.

Now calls are being made for policing to be stepped up in the area to prevent the situation getting worse.

Woodford Green councillor Jim O'Shea said: It's a worrying situation, a real concern. All we can do is advise people to be vigilant, don't resist an attack and lock their doors more when driving about to be safer.

I also think it's sad that this is now happening in this area, where our level of policing has been reduced and officers haven't been replaced.

The latest incident took place on Saturday, December 1, at around 6.20pm. The 22-year-old woman was in Wellington Road, Wanstead, in her silver Peugeot.

As she sat in her car, she was approached by three men. One of the men had a gun, another was carrying a hammer.

The gun was put to her head and she was told to hand over her car keys. The men forced her out of the vehicle and then drove off in it.

Police are not officially linking the latest incident with the four earlier carjackings, but have not ruled out a link.

DC Guy Tickner from Ilford CID, who is leading the investigation, said: It was a nasty incident. It's very frightening to have a gun, whether it was real or not, pointed at you and would cause distress. The victim would have been terrified and it is vital we catch whoever is doing this.

The car has not yet been found. Finding it would give us vital forensic evidence that would lead us to the men responsible.

The men are described as black, aged about 20. Police want to hear from any witnesses, especially a woman who was seen walking past at the time.

Anyone with information should call DC Guy Tickner at Ilford CID on 8553 2336.