Terror Police Lead Investigation After Gun and Crossbow Attack Injures Three in Leeds

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Terror Police Lead Investigation After Gun and Crossbow Attack Injures Three in Leeds

 

A shocking attack involving a crossbow and a firearm has left two women injured and a man under arrest in Leeds, prompting counterterrorism police to take over the investigation. The incident unfolded on the northwest outskirts of the city on Saturday afternoon, with officers being called to Otley Road at 2.47pm following reports of an "ongoing serious incident involving a man seen with weapons," according to West Yorkshire Police.

🚨 NEW: Counter Terrorism Police have taken over the investigation into an incident near the Otley Run in Leeds which left two women seriously injured

A man was arrested by armed police after allegedly being seen walking around with a crossbow and gun pic.twitter.com/iLfV7DX5OH

— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) April 26, 2025

 

Emergency services rushed to the scene, and two women were taken to hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, a 38-year-old man, who had sustained a "self-inflicted injury," was arrested and also taken to hospital. Authorities confirmed that the injuries suffered by all parties are not believed to be life-threatening.

 

 

Police recovered a crossbow and a firearm from the area, which sits in the heart of Headingley, a busy and vibrant part of Leeds popular with university students and known for the famous "Otley Run" pub crawl. Officers said that multiple crime scenes were in place as they worked to piece together the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, responded quickly to the attack, labeling it a "serious violent incident." In a statement, she said: "I am being kept updated on the serious violent incident in Leeds this afternoon. Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response. My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this attack."

 

Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, confirmed that while the investigation is still in its early stages, counterterrorism officers have assumed control. He stated: "Although our inquiries are still at a very early stage, the circumstances surrounding this incident have resulted in Counter Terrorism Policing taking the lead for this investigation."

 

 

Dunkerley also sought to reassure the public, adding: "From the inquiries undertaken so far, there is no evidence to suggest anyone else was involved in the attack, and, at this time, we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident."

 

As police continue their investigation, the community remains on edge, with many shocked that such violence occurred in a normally lively and safe part of the city. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as they work to understand the full motive behind the attack.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Times  2025-04-28