A mother has questioned whether she wants to raise her three-year-old son in Epping after a man was stabbed near her flat.

A 31-year-old from east London was stabbed in the chest shortly before 4.25am. 

He underwent surgery and remains in a serious but stable condition.

A 20-year-old man from Hackney was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder last night.

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 the next day.

The shooting happened outside the club while a young children's party was taking place opposite, in Mooro's Restaurant.

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

Police have not revealed whether they are linking to two incidents.

Jen Parry, 30, whose Hemnall Street flat overlooks the scene, has said the recent attack, and regular violence in the High Street area, has made her question her family’s future in the area.

She said: "I dare not to go out in the high street every Friday and Saturday night as there are always fights out there and the police are not present.

"I am woken up most of the time at the nightclub's 'kick-out' time with arguments happening just below my bedroom window.

"My son is only three-years-old. I worry about his future being brought up around this.

"I actually want to move out because of what has happened this week."

Teresa Cairns, 50, of Upshirebury Green, said: "It's dreadful and scary, one of my daughters is just at the age where as a parent I want to be able to give her trust and independence to go out with friends. It's so worrying when daily we here of such crimes.

"After all you only have to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Enquiries are continuing, anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.