POLICE have admitted they arrested the wrong man in connection with an attempted carjacking in George Lane on Friday afternoon, and that the real perpetrator is still on the loose.
South Woodford was brought to a standstill after the attempted robbery, in which a hoodie-wearing man pulled a handgun on a driver as he parked a luxury XL Jaguar in a car park behind the Land Rover/Jaguar dealership in the High Road.
Armed officers swarmed into the area, roads were closed off and a police helicopter was mobilised in an attempt to track down the man responsible.
Today police have said a 40-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has now been released without charge.
And they have also admitted that their earlier statement to the Guardian about the suspect being arrested in Chingford was wrong.
An officer mistakenly recorded the arrest as taking place there, when in fact it happened outside Barclay's bank in George Lane.
Police are now appealing for help in catching the man, who witnesses described to the Guardian as being white, aged between 35 and 40 and wearing a purple hoodie.
Three children who stood feet away as the drama unfolded also told the Guardian the man was around 6ft tall, of medium build and had "very hairy legs".
The man was seen running off towards the direction of South Woodford High Road after the attack, which happened at around 2.30pm.
A police spokewoman said the man arrested in George Lane had closely matched the description given by witnesses, but that he had nothing to do with the carjacking.
Anyone with any information should contact Ilford Police Station on 8478 1123.
Were you the man arrested in George Lane? Call the newsdesk on 01992 563 123.
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