Specialist police called to Lea Bridge Road after attacker barricades himself in hostel room

A man was hit over the head with a crowbar before the suspected attacker barricaded himself in a hostel room this afternoon. 

The victim was taken to Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone and his condition has not been disclosed.

Emergency services, including up to 20 Territorial Support Group (TSG) officers. were called to Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, at around 1pm following reports of an assault. 

Sergeant Tony Conway at the scene confirmed a man had barricaded himself inside a room in the hostel after allegedly beating a man over the head with a crowbar. 

The 35-year-old suspect locked himself in the room and blocked the door with furniture for up to an hour before officers knocked down the door and arrested him. 

He is said to have made threats to officers. 

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. 

The hostel and surrounding homes were taped off for around two hours as police dealt with the incident. 

It is thought both the victim and the attacker were known to each other and staying at the hostel. 

Police also confirmed "considerable damage" had been caused to one of the hostel rooms. 

The police cordon was removed at around 3.15pm.