Search for suspect after two crossbow attacks in Shoreditch may be linked

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Police are urgently searching a suspect after two individuals have been injured by crossbow bolts in separate attacks simply days aside.

In the primary assault a 44-year-old girl was hit in the top with a crossbow bolt as she crossed the road on Club Row, in Shoreditch, east London, at round 7.45pm on 4 March.

Ten days later a 20-year-old man was left with a neck damage from a crossbow bolt after being attacked simply 200 ft from the identical spot, on Arnold Circus, simply earlier than 7.30pm on Thursday.

The Metropolitan Police stated on Friday “due to the nature and location of both incidents, they have been linked”, and detectives are urgently attempting to establish a suspect.

The victims’ accidents weren’t life-threatening or life-changing they usually have now each left hospital, in line with Scotland Yard.

Police stated they weren’t presently conscious of any additional crossbow attacks, however urged individuals in the world to be vigilant.

Residents in Shoreditch will see a heightened officer presence this weekend as detectives perform their enquiries.

The drive added: “Officers are also working with Tower Hamlets Council in a joint effort to use as many resources as possible to help the investigation. Local officers will be on patrol and available to answer questions and provide reassurance.”

Detective chief superintendent James Conway, who’s accountable for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, stated: “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.

“This investigation is being led by my detectives in the CID and supported by my neighbourhood teams and specialist officers. My team are progressing a number of lines of enquiry, including identifying witnesses and exploring both CCTV and forensic opportunities.

“We are keen to hear from the local community. 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.”

Anyone with info that might assist police is requested to name 101 quoting CAD 6663/14 Mar or Operation Goldwater. To stay nameless contact the unbiased charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.