A manhunt is under way after two suspected crossbow attacks in east London, which police believe are linked.

A 44-year-old woman is said to have been hit in the head with a crossbow bolt as she crossed the road by Clifton House in Shoreditch at about 7.44pm on Monday 4 March.

Then, on Thursday 14 March, a 20-year-old man was injured in the neck by a crossbow bolt near Arnold Circus, about 60 metres from the scene of the first attack, at about 7.27pm.

Both have since left hospital and are not thought to have life-changing injuries, police said, while no similar incidents have been reported.

Officers are carrying out “urgent work” to identify a suspect, and extra officers will be deployed to the area over the weekend to “provide reassurance”.

Detective chief superintendent James Conway said his team is trying to identify witnesses, study CCTV footage and will keep the community “updated”.

“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,” he added, calling for the public’s help.

“If you do have any information please come forward and speak to us. You can either speak with a police officer, or call us on 101.

“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.”

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Police are working with Tower Hamlets Council to “use as many resources as possible”.

Anyone with information that could help police should call 101 quoting CAD 6663/14 Mar or Operation Goldwater.

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