There are calls for an increased police presence following a daylight shooting and stabbing within two days.

A 36-year-old man from east London was shot in the shoulder outside Virgin Active Health Club in Abridge Road, Chigwell, shortly before 3.50pm on Sunday.

The shooting was reported to have happened outside the club while a young children's party was being held opposite in Mooro's Restaurant.

The victim left hospital yesterday morning after receiving treatment and there have been no arrests.

The incident followed a non-fatal stabbing in Epping on Saturday morning.

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a 31-year-old was stabbed in Epping.

A 20-year-old from Hackney is in custody after the man from east London was found collapsed and suffering from stab wounds at 4.24am on Saturday.

He was taken to the Royal London Hospital where underwent surgery and remains in a serious but stable condition.

Clare Bullen, 48 of High Elms, added: "I am very concerned about the recent spate of violent attacks in the area.

"When they keep cropping up on your doorstep they feel more personal and are less easy to brush off.

"Although the majority are targeted, I worry about myself or my children being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"There are educational programmes aimed at tackling knife and gun culture but these seem targeted at problem boroughs in inner London - perhaps the time has come to roll them out to the leafy suburbs too."

Some people are not happy with the police response and called for a bigger presence on the streets.

Epping Forest District councillor for Loughton Roding, Stephen Murray, said: "What is happening to our community here in Epping Forest?

"A constant stream of serious violent attacks, numerous homes robbed, a police force which is getting smaller and more invisible by the day.

"And an MP which publicly seems to take very little action over this escalating crime wave and belongs to a political party which seems to think it is ok to turn our street lights off between 1am and 6am whilst still claiming that frontline services are being protected."

Commenting on the Guardian’s website, DaveInTheForest said: "Well said Mr Murray. I think the majority of the blame must lie at the feet of the local council and the police.

"As has been evident of late on a number of occasions, they don't really feel it is their duty to stop crime."

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing responded by saying: "This is a horrific incident and I am sure the police will do everything they can to find out who is at fault.

"Our policy is to increase the number of police officers out and about in the community and on the streets, but a shooting at a private place in broad daylight on a Sunday afternoon is not something that can be policed.

"I will be keeping careful track of the progress of this matter."

Essex Police have been contacted for comment.