The Leeds crossbow attacker, Owen Lawrence, 38, is thought to have shot himself in the head with an air rifle following his horror rampage through the city. His two victims survived the incident
The man who attacked two women after threatening to carry out a “massacre” during the Otley pub run, is believed to have shot himself in the head.
‘Misogynistic’ and ‘Far Right’ sympathiser, Owen Lawrence, 38, from Wood Lane Court, Headingley, is believed to have used his air rifle to kill himself after rampaging through Leeds.
He fled the scene after firing at a 19-year-old and 31-year-old woman, one who needed surgery to life-threatening injuries but is now stable and the other has been released from hospital.
Lawrence was discovered at Beckett Park, part of Leeds Beckett University campus, about an eight minute walk from the scene. Officers also found various weapons including his crossbow there.
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.
READ MORE: Leeds crossbow attacker dies in hospital ‘of self-inflicted wound’ as police release his name
His post announcing the 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 Brenton Tarrent’s 74 page manifesto titled – The Great Replacement,” he wrote.
Brenton Tarrant is an Australian white supremacist who on March 15th, 2019 stormed into two mosques and carried out the worst massacre in New Zealand’s history.
An online video shows him dressed in black, armed with a crossbow with weapons on his back, walking near a dad pushing his child in a pram. A statement from Counter Terrorism Policing North East said: “This is an update in relation to the incident in Headingley, Leeds, on Saturday April 26th.
“We can confirm that the 38 year old man who was arrested and taken to hospital on Saturday with a self-inflicted injury, has died. 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.” They said they will continue to conduct a thorough and extensive investigation to establish the facts and circumstances around the incident.
And a file will be compiled and passed to the coroner. 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.”
