Shots were fired and a man was stabbed in the head after thugs armed with machetes and axes jumped out of a car and smashed up a BMW in a shocking attack in east London.

Dramatic footage shows the moment the white BMW reverses down a backstreet at high speed as it is pursued by a black Vauxhall Zafira.

After the cars crash to a halt, one person sprints from the passenger’s side of the BMW to flee the scene.

About four masked and hooded thugs then emerge from the Vauxhall, with at least one other following on foot, before the gang sets upon the BMW with weapons.

Dramatic footage obtained by the Standard shows the group smashing the car’s windows and clambering on top of it as another person tries desperately to escape.

The driver is then seen fleeing from the white vehicle as the gang continues to smash it with axes and other weapons. Several members of the group are seen giving chase in the shocking video.

One other person appears to be kicked in the face at the front side of the car before the group makes off after the attack in Bow.

Police confirmed one male was found with stab injuries to his head and hand, adding that the occupants of the vehicles had been armed with weapons including axes and machetes.

Scotland Yard said there were also reports of gunshots fired at the scene in Arnold Road at about 6pm on Thursday.

A spokesman said: “Both vehicles suffered extensive damage. A male from the BMW was then subjected to a violent attack, where he sustained injuries.

“Officers attended with London Ambulance Service. Firearms officers also attended.

“A male was located by officers in the area with injuries. He was taken to an east London hospital with stab injuries to his head and hand. These were subsequently deemed to be not life-threatening and he was discharged from hospital.”

A gun was later found at the scene and one man was arrested. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries, police said.

DC Simon Carson, from the Met’s Trident gang crime unit, added: "We are investigating an incident which shows that those involved were out to cause serious harm, with a real threat to the public.

“It is thought that those concerned are from the local area and we are appealing for anybody that has information to assist this investigation to contact police.”

There have been no further arrests.