Hunt for suspect after two crossbow shootings

SCOTLAND YARD has launched a manhunt after a man and a woman were shot with crossbow bolts 10 days apart from one another in east London.

The Metropolitan Police has linked the two attacks in Shoreditch because of their similar nature and location. The attacks were around 200 metres away from each other and were both carried out in the early evening, police said.

A woman, 44, was shot in the head by a crossbow bolt as she crossed the road by Clifton House on March 4 at 7.44pm. On Thursday, a man, 20, suffered a neck injury after a similar attack by Arnold Circus at 7.27pm.

Their injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing and they have both left hospital.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who is responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said “significant efforts” were under way to find a suspect.

The attacks come less than two months after Bryce Hodgson, 30, was shot dead by police in Southwark, south London, when he aimed a crossbow at officers.

After the latest incident the Met has assigned more officers in the Shoreditch area as they carry out enquiries.

Det Ch Supt Conway said: “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.

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

“Over the weekend you will see an enhance local policing presence as we dedicate more officers to locate whoever is responsible for these assaults, and help people feel as safe as possible.”