A man being investigated by counter-terrorism police following a crossbow attack in Leeds has died in hospital. Owen Lawrence, 38, was detained after the incident on Saturday, April 26, 2025, which left two women, aged 19 and 31, seriously injured. The attack occurred on Otley Road, a popular pub crawl route known as the Otley Run, which attracts many students from nearby universities.
According to West Yorkshire Police, officers responded to reports of a "serious incident involving a man seen with weapons" shortly after 2:45 PM BST. Lawrence was found with a self-inflicted injury and was taken to the hospital, where he later died. The police confirmed that he acted alone during the attack.
As of Monday, April 28, 2025, one of the victims had been discharged from the hospital, while the other underwent surgery for life-threatening injuries and is now in stable condition. Counter-Terrorism Policing North East is leading the investigation into the incident, which has raised significant concerns in the local community.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter-Terrorism Policing North East, stated, "We understand there are concerns around the incident and questions about how and why this has happened. Our teams are committed to carrying out an in-depth investigation to provide answers to those affected." He encouraged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Lawrence's online activity is currently under scrutiny, with authorities examining Facebook posts linked to him that include images of weapons and a disturbing manifesto outlining his intentions. In one post, he referred to a planned attack on participants of the Otley Run pub crawl, targeting students and police, labeling the planned violence as "terrorism, revenge, and misogynic rage." He also expressed hatred for various groups, including "gender equality" advocates and "feminists of all four waves."
In a particularly alarming entry, Lawrence mentioned having "explored far-right ideas" and referenced the manifesto of Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand in 2019, where 51 people were killed. This connection has heightened fears of the potential for similar ideologically driven violence.
In light of the attack, local leaders and the government are considering measures to enhance safety during events like the Otley Run. Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson announced proposals to tighten regulations around crossbow sales, emphasizing the need for stronger age verification controls for online purchases. She stated, "We share those concerns, and last week the government tabled amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill to strengthen age verification controls on both online sale and delivery of crossbows."
Following the attack, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds of Leeds District confirmed that police presence would be increased in Headingley and surrounding areas to reassure the community. He said, "We fully appreciate the understandable shock and concern this incident has caused in the Headingley community. We are continuing to work closely alongside our partner agencies to support and reassure those living, working, or studying in, or visiting the area."
Witnesses reported seeing Lawrence with weapons prior to the attack, and some patrons of local establishments sought refuge inside when they noticed the threat. One restaurant worker recounted, "I was at work at a nearby restaurant and some girls were sitting outside. They asked if they could come in and finish what they were having because they’d seen someone with a crossbow."
The Otley Run, which spans approximately three miles and includes 19 stops, is a well-known and informal drinking route among students, often featuring elaborate costumes and large crowds. The attack has sparked discussions about the need for better security measures during such events, which lack the formal oversight seen at larger gatherings like football matches or festivals.
As the investigation continues, community members are left grappling with the aftermath of the violence and the implications of Lawrence's actions. The police have reiterated their commitment to providing a safe environment for all residents and visitors, urging anyone who witnesses suspicious behavior to report it immediately.
In the wake of this tragic incident, the focus remains on the victims and their families, with law enforcement and community leaders emphasizing the importance of support and vigilance in preventing future acts of violence.
