Pig's heads were left outside schools and a youth centre in Rainham, with police treating the incidents as religious hate crimes.
Police said three incidents occurred where pig's heads were left outside two schools and a Rainham youth centre today (July 26), after the first one was found at about 4am.
"Graffiti was also sprayed outside these venues," police added.
Supt Simon Hutchison said the incidents were being treated as Islamophobic hate crimes.
He said: "I know that people in Rainham are as shocked and appalled at these acts as am I."
Dagenham and Rainham MP Margaret Mullane told the Recorder she understood that one of the heads was left outside Harris Academy Rainham, which is in Lambs Lane South.
"This is an appalling and disgusting act which I condemn in the strongest possible terms," she said.
"I hope the authorities will take this incident seriously and make all efforts to find and hold responsible the culprits of this hate crime."
The other locations heads were left outside were a school in Upminster Road South and a youth centre in Viking Way, a small side road.
The only school in that road is Rainham Village Primary School.
We contacted Royals Youth Centre in Viking Way but they declined to comment at this time.
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The police superintendent added that the force has spoken with Muslim faith leaders in the area, community representatives and elected officials to provide details of these offences.
"[We] understand community concerns on this matter. An investigation is underway to identify the offender(s) and bring them to justice," he added.
Additional police patrols are in the area.
Havering Council also said it would be issuing a statement on the hate crime later today.
Ms Mullane added: "Attempts like this to stoke up division and hate stand in the way of building community cohesion.
"I have always stood against the politics of division and [...] I know the vast majority of people in our area feel the same."
Harris Academy Rainham did not immediately respond when approached for comment.
Rainham Village Primary School has also been contacted for comment.
Anyone who saw anyone or anything suspicious or who has information that may assist the investigation is asked to call 101, ref 1878/26JUL.
To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Information can also be provided directly to the charity Tell Mama – via https://tellmamauk.org/ - which supports victims of anti-Muslim hate.
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