Counterterrorism police in Britain are investigating an attack on Saturday that “seriously injured” two women in the northern English city of Leeds. Police have recovered a crossbow and a firearm in connection with the incident.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested and taken to the hospital due to what authorities described as a “self-inflicted injury.”
Authorities stated that they are not seeking any additional suspects related to the attack, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, and the motive for the violence is still under investigation.
“Clearly this has been a shocking incident,” stated Carl Galvin, an assistant chief constable with the West Yorkshire Police, which led the initial police response. He expressed gratitude towards civilians and emergency responders for their assistance to the victims.
Galvin also urged the public to refrain from speculating online or sharing information or footage that could impact the ongoing investigation.
This incident occurs amid ongoing discussions about violence and terrorism in Britain, particularly following the killing of three young girls last July in Southport, which incited rioting fueled by misinformation and far-right provocateurs.
While knife crime is more prevalent than crossbow incidents in Britain, the use of crossbows in violent acts has occurred before. Last July, a man with a crossbow killed three women in London, including his ex-partner, her sister, and their mother.
Additionally, a separate incident involving a crossbow was reported in London last March, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries.