Police insist they do have enough officers on the street following criticisms of the force’s reaction to two serious, violent incidents in 36 hours.

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

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

The shooting followed a stabbing in Epping on 4.25am on Saturday, which has left a 31-year-old man in a critical condition.

Police have arrested a 20-year-old man from Hackney man on suspicion of attempted murder.

Detectives say the two incidents are not related.

A councillor and several residents expressed concerns that there is not enough police presence on the streets.

But Chief Inspector Denise Morrissey, the Epping Forest and Brentwood district commander, rejected these criticisms.

She said: "We do have sufficient officers to police the Epping Forest district and we also can call upon county-wide resources and specialist units as and when required.

“This was demonstrated at the weekend’s two serious incidents in Epping and at Chigwell where officers arrived at the scene very quickly, having been on patrol nearby. 

"However, both of these crimes were isolated incidents and extremely rare in Epping Forest district.

"On September 1 we set up a local policing team to bring together response and patrol and neighbourhood crime teams to reinforce and enhance the investigation of local crimes."

Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses following the shooting in Chigwell. 

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

Armed officers and detectives attended the scene, but no suspects were found.

Forensic experts examined a black Volkswagen parked a car park in Abridge Road.

However, police do not believed to be directly connected to those responsible for the shooting.

Officers say they are are also examining footage from a number of CCTV cameras in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Smith said: "We have spoken with more than 40 people who were at Woolston Hall on Sunday afternoon and a number of them have already given us statements.

"But we believe there are others who were there who we would still like to speak to.

"The Hall would have been very busy and understandably some people would have wanted to leave very quickly given what happened.

"We would ask them to get in touch with us as they may have seen what happened or have other vital information of use."

Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Essex Police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.