A man has been arrested after two people were left injured after a series of crossbow attacks on March 4 and 14.
The 47-year-old was arrested late last night (Sunday, March 17), found with a knuckle duster and a bottle containing ‘a substance’, though what exactly this is remains unclear.
Police also searched his home, finding a crossbow, as well as knives. He’s currently in police custody at a station in East London.
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The first attack saw the 44-year-old victim hit in the head as she crossed the road, while the second left a 20-year-old with a neck injury. Police linked the two incidents due to their nature and location.
DCS James Conway 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.”
He continued: “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.
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