A man suspected of carrying out a crossbow and firearm attack in Leeds on Saturday remains in a critical condition in hospital with a self-inflicted wound.
The 38-year-old suspect was arrested following the incident on Otley Road which left two women injured, West Yorkshire Police confirmed.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East has taken over the investigation into the attack, which occurred in the Headingley area shortly before 3pm on Saturday.
Police were initially called to reports of “an ongoing serious incident involving a man seen with weapons” at 2.47pm.The two injured women, aged 19 and 31, were taken to hospital for treatment after the attack in the popular student area.
Police at the scene in LeedsWitnesses described seeing a man with a crossbow before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Restaurant worker Bethany Connelly told Yorkshire Live: “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.”
Police confirmed the suspect was detained at the scene and later identified as the “key suspect” in the investigation. One of the female victims has been discharged from hospital following the attack.
The other woman underwent surgery after suffering life-threatening injuries and is now recovering in hospital in a stable condition.
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Officers from West Yorkshire Police remain at the scene
West Yorkshire Police had initially reported that three people were injured in the incident, but later clarified that two women were victims while the third injured person was the suspect himself. The 38-year-old man remains under arrest while in hospital with what police described as a self-inflicted wound.
The incident prompted a major police response in the Headingley area, with multiple crime scenes established.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “The investigation continues and officers are working at pace to establish the full facts and circumstances of Saturday’s incident.”
“We are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this matter, which has caused understandable concern. We believe it was an isolated incident.”
Police at the scene in LeedsYappThe counter-terrorism unit confirmed they are working closely with West Yorkshire Police on the investigation.
Authorities have urged anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to contact police on 101, quoting log number 925 of 26 April.
Assistant Chief Constable Carl Galvin of West Yorkshire Police said: “We continue to work closely with our colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing North East as the investigation into yesterday’s very serious incident on Otley Road continues.”
Police cordons that were in place in Headingley have now been lifted. Uniformed officers remain highly visible in the area to reassure local residents and businesses.
Rachel Reeves is the MP for Leeds West and Pudsey
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“We are aware of the disruption the very necessary police enquiries at our scenes has caused and want to thank residents for their understanding,” ACC Galvin added.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, described the news as “shocking” and expressed her thoughts for those affected.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said her thoughts were with the victims of the incident, adding she was being updated on the situation.
