‘We were just shaking’: Leeds grad forced to lock herself in café during Headingley attack

A University of Leeds graduate was forced to lock herself in a café during the Headingley attack involving a crossbow and firearm, which has left two women seriously injured.

Hannah told The Leeds Tab about the “terrifying” experience on Otley Road as police ordered bars and restaurants along the street to secure their doors. This was due to reports that the attacker was spotted nearby.

The graduate works in a restaurant in Headingley and had arranged to meet a friend for a coffee on her lunch break. “As I was walking down Otley Road, seeing people on the Otley Run, there seemed to be a big volume of people looking flustered and scared and I didn’t really know what was going on.

“Then I see two or three ambulances parked up and loads of police with all their sirens on,” she said.

Hannah and her friend ended up between two sections of the road being cordoned off, and they saw police redirecting people from the scene.

When the women arrived at the café, Hannah said they were told by a waiter: “There’s a suspected terrorist attack going on, a man is running around with a crossbow trying to kill people. You need to come inside and we need to lock the doors.”

Hannah continued: “At first I didn’t believe it, it was like the words were going over my head. I was just in complete shock.”

They were locked in the cafe for 30 to 40 minutes, and the former student was desperately trying to get in touch with colleagues and friends to confirm their safety. “It was so scary. We were both just shaking.”

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Some businesses in Headingley remained closed for the rest of the day following the attack, but Hannah’s restaurant stayed open, so she returned to work. However, she remained “really on edge”.

Police have confirmed one of the victims of the attack was sent home from hospital earlier, whilst the other, who has undergone surgery for life-threatening injuries, is now in a stable condition. The women are aged 19 and 31.

A 38-year-old man, described by police as “the key suspect”, is in critical condition in hospital after sustaining a “self-inflicted injury”. He remains under police guard.

The incident occurred near Leeds Beckett University’s campus. In a statement on Facebook, the university praised the “speed and effectiveness of the police response, and their continued presence in the area”.

It continued: “We know that such a terrible incident will impact people in different ways, and our support services are available for students and colleagues who may have been affected.”

Leeds Beckett has also confirmed that its campus is open as usual, and varsity fixtures are going ahead.

The university said: “We understand that many members of our community will be concerned and affected by the events. We will make sure that support is provided for those students and colleagues who need it.

“The police cordon has been lifted around St Chad’s Drive, meaning access to campus is no longer restricted. Otley Road has now also reopened, and our shuttle bus will run to its usual timetable.”

The busy Otley Run pub crawl route, popular with students, had been sealed off since Saturday afternoon, but cordons around the scene were removed this evening.

Otley Road has now reopened

West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “Counter Terrorism Policing North East, with support from West Yorkshire Police, are continuing their investigation into the incident in Leeds on Saturday.”

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley 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.

“We are grateful for the support and understanding of the local community as we progress the investigation.

“Counter Terrorism Policing North East continue to work closely with our colleagues at West Yorkshire Police to reassure all those affected and keep them informed.”

Det Ch Supt James Dunkerley 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.”

Alison Lowe, deputy mayor of West Yorkshire for policing and crime said: “The suspect injured themselves and is now in hospital under police guard so the threat has been eliminated.”

Lowe reassured the public, announcing that police presence in Headingley would be increased in “the coming days and weeks”.

“This is a very, very rare incident and the police know that the public are very frightened, so there is a much bigger police presence. I would be scared if I had witnessed or been close to an incident of that magnitude.

“All I can say to those women and girls is that we’re here for you. We’re increasing those patrols.”

Featured image via TikTok