Man arrested after two injured by crossbow bolts in Shoreditch

Police have arrested a man after two people were injured by crossbow bolts in Shoreditch.

At around 23:00hrs on Sunday, 17 March, as part of the intelligence-led policing operation in response to the crossbow attacks, officers arrested a 47-year-old man in Shoreditch.

He was searched and a knuckle duster and a bottle containing a substance were found. The man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Following his arrest officers searched the man's address. They discovered a crossbow, knives and other weapons. These have been seized and sent for forensic analysis. However, detailed searches will continue throughout the day.

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

Officers are keeping an open mind regarding the motive for these attacks and enquiries continue.

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.