Leeds attack: Man involved in horror crossbow rampage dead

Crossbow rampage attacker Owen 'Oz' Lawrence has died in hospital after blasting himself in the head at point-blank range with an air rifle, the Daily Express understands. The 38-year-old far right extremist turned the gun on himself after attempting to launch a "massacre" in Leeds which left two women seriously injured last Saturday afternoon. Counter Terrorism Police have confirmed that the 38-year-old woman-hating thug had died. Lawrence had posted a series of threats towards women and vowed to launch an attack on the popular Otley Run student pub crawl in the Headingley area of the West Yorkshire city.

Confirming Lawrence's identity Counter Terror Policing North East said they believed he had been acting on his own and said they are "not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this matter." Lawrence left two women seriously injured after launching his crossbow and firearm attack. One of the women underwent emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries after being shot in the head and is now stable. The second victim was released from hospital on Sunday to recover at home.

The women, aged 19 and 31, were attacked on Otley Road, in the Headingley area of Leeds, during the famed pub crawl on Saturday afternoon.

Police found critically injured Lawrence in nearby Beckett Park, part of the Leeds Beckett University campus, along with weapons thought to have been involved.

He was arrested for serious assault and firearms offences.

Counter-terrorism officers confirmed they had been examining his Facebook posts appearing to contain plans for a "massacre", as they confirmed the incident was an isolated one.

Lawrence is understood to have idolised right wing extremists including Australian Brenton Tarrant, 29, the white supremacist who slaughtered 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: "Officers will continue to conduct enquiries and we ask that if anyone has information that may assist, to pass this to police.

"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.

"We continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Police to support the local community and thank residents for their support and understanding over the weekend.

Counter terror officers have been looking at his two Facebook accounts where he discusses his plans to cause terror on the streets of Leeds.

In one photo he poses with a baseball bat wearing a T-shirt with 'natural selection' printed on it.

His post announcing his imminent attack said: "The Otley Run Massacre" and described it as a 'Spree killing, Mass murder, Terrorism. Revenge, Mosogynyic Rage, Homicide/Suicide.

"I have also explored Far Right ideas, by reading through Tarrent's 74 page manifesto titled - The Great Replacement," he wrote."

He told how he was going to use an air gun, a BB gun, blank firer gun with modified ammo, an "unbreakable baseball bat" and homemade lollipop shanks.

A chilling online video seemingly taken from a passing car later showed him dressed in black, armed with a crossbow with weapons on his back, walking near a dad pushing his child in a pram prior to his horrifying attack.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: "Officers will continue to conduct enquiries and we ask that if anyone has information that may assist, to pass this to police.

"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.

"We continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Police to support the local community and thank residents for their support and understanding over the weekend.

"Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this incident."

Leeds District Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said: "We fully appreciate the understandable shock and concern that this incident has caused in the Headingley community, and we are continuing to work closely alongside our partner agencies to support and reassure those living, working or studying in, or visiting the area.

"We have put a comprehensive visibility and engagement plan in place in the area to provide an increased police and partnership presence that will remain over the coming days, both on the streets and around key events in the community.

"We are absolutely committed to making sure that people feel safe to go about their daily lives in the area following this incident.

"As ever, we would advise people to report any suspicious or unusual behaviour to us immediately through 101 or 999 in an emergency, or to officers on the ground, or venue or event staff."

Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said on Monday the government is aiming to strengthen age verification controls on both the online sale and delivery of crossbows.

She told the Commons: "Counter Terrorism Policing North East have taken the lead for the investigation into this attack and are now working with West Yorkshire Police.

"I cannot comment on details of the case. Having said that, we are very aware of concerns about the use of crossbows in violent attacks.

"We share this concern and last week the government tabled amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill to strengthen age verification controls on the online sale and delivery of crossbows.

"We will shortly be setting out how we plan to limit the availability and accessibility of crossbows in this country."

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