A second person was injured in Rainham after incidents believed to be committed by moped riders armed with knives.

Police were called to Broadway at 8.20pm on Tuesday, August 4 to reports of two males “riding dangerously on a moped, armed with knives, attacking members of the public”.

One person was found at the scene with minor head and leg injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment but has since been discharged.

The two riders left the scene by the time police arrived.

Around 25 minutes after this incident, police were called out to Upminster Road South in Rainham, this time to reports of an attempted robbery by two males riding a moped and armed with knives. Police found a person with injuries to their hands, who was treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service and taken to hospital.

The injuries were non-life threatening and the person was later discharged.

Met Police said the moped riders were reportedly seen in the Rainham area around this time, adding that they are believed to be linked to further incidents concerning additional members of the public.

Det Sgt Nathan Lee said: “I am asking for anyone who witnessed any of these incidents and who may have any information or footage to please come forward.

“Witnesses also reported seeing the males riding a silver coloured moped, so I would ask the local community or anyone with any further information to please contact police.”

Enquiries are ongoing and the Met said Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Violence Suppression Unit Taskforce will be patrolling in the vicinity of the locations.

Det Ch Supt Stephen Clayman, East Area BCU commander, revealed in May that the Met had launched a violence suppression unit to cover Havering, Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham as part of a Londonwide initiative to target violent crime.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Chris Whiston or Det Sgt Lee on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference Cad7700/5Aug20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to www.fearless.org.