Detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after two people were injured in suspected crossbow attacks in east London.
The ambushes, described as “horrific” by neighbours, happened within ten days of each other and triggered a manhunt.
In the first incident a woman, 44, was hit in the head with a crossbow bolt as she crossed the road by Clifton House in Shoreditch at around 7.44pm on Monday March 4.
A man, 20, was then wounded in the neck near Arnold Circus, about 60 metres from the scene of the first attack, on Thursday March 14 at around 7.27pm.
Police said the victims have left hospital and their injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing.
Detectives arrested a 47 year old man at 11pm on Sunday in connection with attacks
He is being questioned at an east London police station and police are keeping an open mind as to potential motive, they said.
A police statement said: “At around 23:00hrs on Sunday, 18 March, as part of the intelligence-led policing operation in response to the crossbow attacks, officers arrested a 47-year old man in Shoreditch.
“He was searched and a knuckle duster and a bottle containing a substance were found. The man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
“Following his arrest officers searched the man's address. They discovered a crossbow, knives and other weapons. These have been seized and sent for forensic analysis. Detailed searches will continue throughout the day.
“The man is in custody at an east London police station and both of the victims in the two incidents are being kept informed.
“Officers are keeping an open mind regarding the motive for these attacks and enquiries continue.”
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who is responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, added: "I'm acutely aware of the level of concern in the community following these awful attacks.
"Since the first incident the police response has been immediate and dynamic, with my detectives leading a significant investigation involving CCTV trawls, intelligence and forensic work, whilst my neighbourhood teams have been engaged in public appeals and reassurance patrols. We have been strongly supported by our partners, particularly the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
“The arrest last night was a significant development in our investigation, but this remains a complex and ongoing policing operation.
"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.
Extra officers were deployed to the area over the weekend to conduct enquiries and “provide reassurance”.
A handwritten poster had been put up by the victim’s husband next to the spot where she was attacked describing how the carer had been hit on her way home from work.
The note said: "She felt a crossbow lodge in her head. Luckily she lived.”
He told the Times he was with his son, 18, at their home when he heard his wife screaming his name from the street below.
He described the bolt as having a red and black shaft with a hook on the end. He added that although she has been released from hospital she is still in pain.
Another resident Subera Rabby told Sky News: "The first thing was hearing the screaming, I came out, blood stain on the floor, there was a crossbow [bolt] sticking out of her head.”
Ms Rabby called emergency services she saw the injured woman run to the entrance of the building she then "lay flat" and her husband tended to her wounds.
"It was really really horrific, I’ve never seen anything like that," she added.
