Following reports of a man armed with a crossbow at a Dagenham park, police were called in and their efforts led to the arrest of a man with a loaded crossbow and a knife at the entrance to Dagenham East Station on the morning of Thursday 2 February.

Although the man had left the vicinity of the park when the police arrived, thanks to the description provided by the council officer, he was tracked down to the train station and arrested.

Following a subsequent search of the woods, the Rangers subsequently found two crossbow bolts which have been handed to the police.

Commenting on the incident, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, said: “I would like to commend the quick thinking of our Community Rangers in spotting the man and getting the police involved.

“I’m aware this has been happening for a short while and residents have been reporting similar incidents since last year, so I would also like to say a thank you to them for being so vigilant.

“Thankfully there was no harm to any member of the public and hopefully this is now the end of such incidents.”