Shoreditch crossbow attacks: Man arrested after incidents which left two people wounded

A man has been arrested after two people were injured by crossbow bolts in separate but "linked" attacks.

In the first incident, at 7.44pm on March 4, a 44-year-old woman was hit in the head as she crossed Club Row in Shoreditch, east London.

In the second, at 7.27pm on Thursday March 14, a 20-year-old man was struck in the neck on Arnold Circus, about 200ft (60m) away from the first attack.

The Met Police said both victims were treated in hospital, but that their wounds were not life changing and they have been discharged.

A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at around 11pm on Sunday (March 17). 

Police say they found a knuckle duster and a bottle containing a substance. Following his arrest, the Met said officers searched an address and found a crossbow, knives and other weapons.

The arrested man is in custody at an east London police station and both of the victims in the two incidents are being kept informed, the Met Police said.

Officers say they are keeping an open mind about the motive for the attacks and that enquiries continue.

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Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who is responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: "I'm acutely aware of the level of concern in the community following these awful attacks.

"Since the first incident the police response has been immediate and dynamic, with my detectives leading a significant investigation involving CCTV trawls, intelligence and forensic work, whilst my neighbourhood teams have been engaged in public appeals and reassurance patrols. We have been strongly supported by our partners, particularly the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

“The arrest last night was a significant development in our investigation, but this remains a complex and ongoing policing operation. I can also confirm that our enquiries led to the seizure of another crossbow weapon in the period between the two attacks, which is now being dealt with as part of a separate investigation.

"I'd like to thank local people for their valuable support and would urge anyone still yet to talk to police to do so as soon as possible. We have received significant and crucial support from our local communities to date. Enhanced numbers of my officers will remain in the area and you can speak with them at any time if you believe you have information that is relevant."

If you have information regarding either incident please call us on 101 quoting Operation Goldwater. Attentively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.