A police community support officer (PCSO) was shot at while on a routine patrol to check on suspected gangs in Lower Clapton, an officer revealed on Twitter today.

Sgt James Reynolds from Dalston’s safer neighbourhoods team tweeted that a gun had been fired towards a member of his team on Saturday night while they were trying to deal with rival gangs in Pembury Road.

Patrols had been increased around the Pembury Estate due to a rise in gang tension, according to Borough Commander Matthew Horne. Officers had spotted two men acting suspiciously and broken up two rival groups before the gun was fired at the PCSO at around 8.20pm.

No one was injured and no weapons have been recovered.

Four men, aged 26, 23, 21 and 20, and a 15-year-old youth were arrested and later bailed until June.

Detectives from the Trident Gang Crime Command are investigating.

Matt Horne confirmed that extra patrols including armed officers will be happening in the area for the foreseeable future.