Man arrested after two people were injured following crossbow attack in London
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a police investigation into crossbow attacks which left two people injured in East London.
Police said they had arrested a 47-year-old man in Shoreditch late last night, and a search yielded a knuckle duster and “a bottle containing a substance”.
After the arrest, police said they searched the 47-year-old’s address, where they found and seized “a crossbow, knives and other weapons”.
The suspect is currently in custody at a police station in East London, and both of the attacks’ victims are being kept informed.
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.
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“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.”
The two attacks, on March 4 and 14, saw a 44-year-old woman hit in the head as she crossed Club Row in Shoreditch, and 20-year-old man struck in the neck on Arnold Circus – about 60 metres away from the first attack.
The Met Police said both victims had been treated for their injuries in hospital.
The service added their wounds were “not life-threatening or life-changing” and they have since been discharged.
Police said they were “keeping an open mind regarding the motive” for the attacks, and urged anyone with information to contact them via 101 quoting Operation Goldwater.