Detectives are hunting a crossbow-wielding man who may have struck three times across east London.
In the latest incident, a suspect verbally abused a stranger before threatening him with the weapon.
The armed man fled the scene on Alfred Street, Bow around midday on October 21 leaving his victim uninjured but “shaken”.
Earlier this year, two people were injured by crossbow bolts three miles away in Shoreditch.
Police are now investigating whether the three incidents are linked amid fears from locals that the same man “may have struck again”.
A manhunt was launched after a 44-year-old woman was hit in the head as she crossed the road by Clifton House at around 7.44pm on Monday, March 4.
Then, 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, on Thursday, March 14 at about 7.27pm.
A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later released with no further action.
The 47-year-old had been carrying a knuckle duster and “a bottle containing a substance” the Metropolitan Police said at the time.
After the Bow appeal on Friday, a force spokesman said: “As part of their investigation, detectives are looking at whether there may be any connection between this and two attacks in Shoreditch in March this year and are keeping an open mind.”
Detective Inspector Nikki Hardy, from Central East policing team, said: “Thankfully the victim in this case suffered no injuries but was understandably shaken by what happened.
“We are now releasing an image of a man we wish to speak to in connection with this incident.
“We would urge everyone to look at the photo and think about whether they recognise him or know where he may be.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference 245/31OCT, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
