A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two people were injured in separate crossbow attacks in London.

Officers detained the 47-year-old as part of an “intelligence-led policing operation” at about 11pm on Sunday in Shoreditch, east London, said the Metropolitan Police.

The operation was in response to two incidents in Shoreditch earlier this month, police said.

The Met added the search of an address had led to the discovery of a crossbow, knives and other weapons.

A manhunt was launched after a 44-year-old woman was hit in the head with a crossbow bolt as she crossed the road by Clifton House in east London at around 7.44pm on 4 March.

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

Detective Chief Superintendent, James Conway, said: “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.”

Police said “enhanced numbers” of officers would remain in the area.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101, quoting Operation Goldwater, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.