The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

(Image: TWITTER/@JAMIEPLATT15)

Officers were shot at and returned fire at the men after being called to an address on Lascelles Close in Leytonstone.

Police cars chased the suspects in their vehicle, which failed to stop as a number of shots were fired at the officers.

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life after the car was brought to a halt in Bective Road, Forest Gate.

A woman claiming to live in the street next to the shooting said at least two people had been shot, but police confirmed there had been no injuries.

However an officer received minor injuries.

Other eyewitnesses reported hearing "rapid gunfire", and seeing "police with massive machine guns".

The four men arrested are at an east London police station where they remain in custody.

National Police Air Service are also in the area.

There are images of armed police with a suspect on the ground next to a black BMW 1 Series with a shattered rear window.

Nearby resident Karl tweeted: "Gunshots. Police helicopters. 20+ armed police running up our road. Crazy times in Forest Gate."

(Image: SCREENGRAB/TWITTER/@NEWSTHISSECOND)

Sharing a clip of the scene on Twitter, Abu wrote: "Coming home after a long day at the hospital there's been a shooting near my house, shots fired between police and masked men."

A spokesman for the Met Police told Daily Star Online: "Police were called at approximately 10.45pm to Lascelles Close, E11, following reports of suspects seen in possession of a firearm.

"Officers, including firearms officers, attended.

"A short time later a vehicle was seen nearby which failed to stop for police and a pursuit was authorised. During the pursuit, a number of shots were fired towards officers."

Detective Inspector Simon Smith, from Trident, said: “We have made four arrests but we are still appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to contact us as a matter of urgency. It doesn’t matter how insignificant you think the information you have is, every ounce of information will help us with our investigation. Any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.“I’d like to thank the community for passing on information and I would encourage others with information about people who may be in possession of an illegal firearm to do the right thing and either let ourselves or Crimestoppers know.“Trident officers are working around the clock to arrest those involved in gun crime and seize the illegal firearms that only bring violence and misery to the streets of London.

“Anyone caught in possession of a prohibited weapon can expect to be arrested.”

Borough Commander for Waltham Forest and Newham Chief Superintendent Richard Tucker said: “I understand that last night’s events are alarming but I would like to re-assure the people who live and work here that this is a very rare situation. There will be extra officers in the area over the weekend to provide reassurance to the community. Anyone with any concerns can approach these officers or contact their local neighbourhood team. “Officers acted quickly on the information provided by the community and put themselves in danger to protect the public and ensure that the suspects were stopped and arrested promptly."I would like to commend all the officers involved in this incident for their bravery.“This is just one example of the danger officers put themselves in day in, day out, to protect Londoners.”

The Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.