The 38-year-old man, who suffered a self-inflicted wound, has now been named as Owen Lawrence
12:38, 29 Apr 2025Updated 12:40, 29 Apr 2025
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The suspect in an attack which saw two women injured in Leeds over the weekend has died from a self-inflicted wound, police have confirmed.
Counter Terror Police North East (CTPNE) has been investigating the incident which took place on Otley Road, in Headingley, on Saturday afternoon (April 26).
In an update issued this afternoon, CTPNE has named the suspect as 38-year-old Owen Lawrence of Wood Lane Court, Headingley.
He was taken to hospital with a self-inflicted injury following the incident and has since died.
A CTPNE spokesperson said: “This man was the key suspect and we can name him as Owen Lawrence from Headingley, Leeds.
“We believe he was acting on his own and are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this matter.
“Counter Terrorism Policing North East will continue to conduct a thorough and extensive investigation to establish the facts and circumstances around the incident. A file will be compiled and passed to the coroner.”
The two women were ‘shot by crossbows’ during the attack, according to local MP Alex Sobel.
A crossbow and a firearm were recovered from the scene, with witnesses seeing the weapons being carried on Otley Road, which is home to the popular Otley Run pub crawl and has a large student population.
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, added: “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.”