A search is under way after a woman and a man were injured in suspected crossbow attacks in east London.
The incidents occurred 10 days apart in Shoreditch but were linked, the Metropolitan police said.
A 44-year-old woman is said to have been hit in the head with a crossbow bolt as she crossed a road near Clifton House in east London at about 7.45pm on Monday 4 March.
A 20-year-old man was then injured in the neck by a crossbow bolt near Arnold Circus, about 60 metres from the scene of the first attack, on Thursday 14 March at about 7.25pm.
Police said the victims had left hospital and their injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing. No similar incidents have been reported.
Officers were carrying out “urgent work” to identify a suspect, and extra officers would be deployed to the area over the weekend to conduct inquiries and “provide reassurance”.
DCS James Conway, who is responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “There are significant efforts to find whoever carried out these assaults, and we are committed to keeping the community updated over the coming days, as we know how worrying this is.”
He said a team of CID detectives, neighbourhood police and specialist officers were following several lines of inquiry, including identifying witnesses, and looking at potential CCTV and forensic evidence.
Officers wanted to hear from the local community, he said.
“You may have seen something on the days when these offences occurred, or you might have seen or heard something in the local area that you think is suspicious and may be linked to these incidents.
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“If you do have any information please come forward and speak to us.” People could speak to an officer directly, or call them on 101, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously.
“I understand that local people will be distressed by these incidents but we would urge them to go about their business,” he said. “Please do be vigilant and alert while our investigation is ongoing and contact us about anything which seems concerning.”
Police were working with Tower Hamlets council to “use as many resources as possible”.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
