Shoreditch: Two injured in 'linked' crossbow attacks

Two people were shot with crossbow bolts in separate but "linked" attacks, police have revealed.

In the first incident, at 19:44 GMT on 4 March, a 44-year-old woman was hit in the head as she crossed Club Row in Shoreditch, east London.

In the second, at 19:27 GMT on Thursday, a 20-year-old man was struck in the neck on Arnold Circus, about 200ft (60m) away from the first attack.

The Met Police said both victims were treated for their injuries in hospital.

The force added their wounds were not life-threatening or life-changing and they have since been discharged.

In a statement, it added investigators were urgently working to identify a suspect, and said "due to the nature and location of both incidents, they have been linked".

Officers are also working with Tower Hamlets Council to "use as many resources as possible to help the investigation", the Met said.

Det Ch Supt James Conway 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.

"I understand that local people will be distressed by these incidents, but we would urge them to go about their business.

"Please do be vigilant and alert while our investigation is ongoing and contact us about anything which seems concerning."

He added there would be an enhanced local policing presence "as we dedicate more officers to locate whoever is responsible for these assaults, and help people feel as safe as possible".

"My team are progressing a number of lines of enquiry, including identifying witnesses and exploring both CCTV and forensic opportunities," he said.

"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 information is urged to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.

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