Otley Run suspect seen ‘prowling streets with crossbow’ as terror probe launched
Various weapons – including a crossbow – were seized by police but chilling footage shows a man prowling the streets before the broad daylight attack appearing to have the weapons
Disturbing footage has emerged of a man appearing to wield a crossbow walking through the streets of a UK city during an attack on two women in broad daylight.
Two women were seriously injured as armed officers sped to Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, just before 3pm on Saturday. The video shows a man walking down a street wearing all black, appearing to carry several weapons on his front and back.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East said it has taken over the investigation to “explore any potential motivation.” The two women were taken to hospital for treatment with serious injuries. A 38-year-old man was arrested and taken to hospital due to a self-inflicted injury.
Police recovered a crossbow and firearm from the scene.
West Yorkshire Police declared a major incident at the Otley Run on Saturday afternoon, just as students began celebrating the end of term. The Otley Run is one of the most famous bar crawls in the UK, and very popular in Leeds. It is often packed with people having drinks on a Saturday afternoon.
A statement from Counter Terrorism Policing North East said: “Officers attended and located three people who had suffered injuries, two of which were women and were taken to hospital for treatment.
“The third, a 38-year-old man, has been arrested and taken to the hospital due to a self-inflicted injury. Two weapons have been recovered from the scene, which were a crossbow and a firearm.”
The statement continued: “Due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing North East have taken responsibility for leading the investigation with the support of West Yorkshire Police.
“Extensive enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances and explore any potential motivation.”
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Police were called to Otley Road, Leeds at 2.47pm yesterday to reports of an ongoing serious incident involving a man seen with weapons. Officers attended and located three people who had suffered injuries which are at this time not being treated as life-threatening”, The Sun reported.
“A male suspect was located and detained. Inquiries are in their initial stages to determine the wider circumstances of what has taken place and further updates will follow. A number of police scenes remain in place and ensuring public safety remains our priority.”
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