Armed police were scrambled to a possible hostage situation in Highams Park - only to find out it was a "hoax call". 

Officers, on red alert after this morning's stabbing in Wanstead, rushed to Jubilee Avenue in Highams Park to reports of a woman being shot.  

Offices along Jubilee Avenue, near the Tesco superstore, were stormed by armed police at around 12pm as they searched for a man with a gun.

A Met spokesman said they were also responding to calls about a "man with a knife".

But after thoroughly searching the area, officers found no trace of a gunman or a man with a knife. 

An air ambulance and medics also rushed to the scene expecting to found a victim in need of care. 

Police stood down the search shortly before 2pm and enquiries have now begun into finding the hoax caller.