A man has been arrested after two linked crossbow attacks in Shoreditch.

The 47-year-old was stopped by police at around 11pm yesterday evening (March 17) and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A knuckle duster and a bottle containing an unspecified substance was found.

During a search of an address, officers discovered a crossbow, knives and other weapons.

It comes after two people – a 44-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man – were hit by suspected crossbow bolts in and around Arnold Circus within ten days of each other.

Nazarine Cazley was shot in the back of the head in Club Row on March 4 as she crossed the road.

Her husband Clifton told Hackney Gazette she had been left "extremely scared".

Then, a 20-year-old man was shot in the neck 200 feet away in Arnold Circus last Thursday (March 14).

Neither victim suffered life-threatening or life-changing injuries. 

The Metrolitan Police have said that both are being kept informed about the latest development.

The arrested man is in custody at an east London police station, and Scotland Yard says officers are “keeping an open mind” about any potential motive.

The weapons seized have been sent for forensic analysis, and further searches are expected today.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who is responsible for policing in Hackney, has described the arrest as a “significant development” in a “complex and ongoing” policing operation.

He added: “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."

Anyone with further information about either incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting Operation Goldwater.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.