Three people were arrested late last night after a shootout with police in Forest Gate.
Armed officers raced to Lascelles Close following reports of suspects seen in possession of a firearm at about 11.45pm yesterday (Thursday).
A car chase ensued when a vehicle seen nearby failed to stop for police, according to Scotland Yard.
A spokeswoman said “a number of shots” were fired at officers, who also fired their guns during the pursuit.
There were no reported injuries.
Three people were arrested on nearby Bective Road on suspicion of attempted murder.
They remain in custody at an east London police station.
A woman who lives on Bective Road, who asked not to be named, said she heard three gun shots.
“I thought it was kids letting off firecrackers,” she said.
“The road was backed up with police cars and vans. Police shouted at us to get inside. “I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. It makes me so scared. It’s madness — this used to be the better part of Forest Gate. It’s Newham, unfortunately.”
A gun was found in the car but it hasn’t been moved as it may be part of a crime scene, the spokeswoman said.
“We are unable to discuss further,” she added.
A crime scene is in place with Met Police and the National Police Air Service attending.
The Directorate of Professional Standards, the body responsible for looking into complaints against officers, has been informed “as is routine”, according to the spokeswoman.
Officers are not treating the incident as terror-related.
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