Community Lives in Anxiety Following Violent Incidents as Police Investigate Further

Residents of Shoreditch, east London, have expressed their terror following a series of crossbow attacks that have left a 44-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man injured. The first attack took place on March 4, when Nazarine Cazley was shot in the head just yards from her home while returning from work. Ten days later, a second victim was struck in the neck by a crossbow bolt near Arnold Circus, just 60 metres from the scene of the first incident.

The police quickly launched a manhunt and arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder after discovering weapons including a crossbow during his detention. As investigations continue, residents of the quiet area have shared their fears about the lack of security in the days following the attacks. Many residents took extra precautions, avoiding windows and rushing through the square to avoid becoming targets.

Subera Rabby, who witnessed the aftermath of the first attack, recalled how she rushed to assist Nazarine, despite the pain she experienced from an arrow lodged in her head. Rabby also expressed frustration at the police’s slow response, claiming there was a lack of communication with the community. She described the overwhelming anxiety experienced by local residents, with some even detouring to avoid the area.

One local mother said she stayed away from windows, fearing that the attacks could happen again. Residents were left feeling vulnerable and unprotected, urging the council to implement better lighting and CCTV in the area to prevent further incidents.

The suspect’s arrest brought some relief, but locals remain on edge. In the aftermath, the police found more weapons, including knives, in the suspect’s home, and they have launched a separate investigation related to the seizure of another crossbow.

A special mention was made by DCS James Conway, who assured the community that the police were responding proactively, with forensic evidence and public appeals underway. Despite these efforts, many residents feel that the attacks have left them exposed and unsettled.

Meanwhile, the government is reportedly considering new legislation to regulate crossbows more strictly, potentially aligning them with firearm laws, following this and other recent incidents.