‘Otley Run Massacre’ post targeting students probed by police after Headingley attack

Counter terrorism police are examining a social media post that allegedly outlined plans to undertake the Headingley attack, which saw two women injured on Saturday.

The Facebook post identified “targets” of an attack which included students, nightclub attendees, “Otley Run participants” and “neurotypicals”, among others.

The post’s writer further described the attack type as a “killing spree” and “mass murder”, mentioning “misogynistic rage” and “terrorism”.

There was also mention of a “manifesto” written by a man who killed 51 people in shootings at a mosque and Islamic centre in New Zealand in 2019.

This comes as Owen Lawrence, the prime suspect of the attack, died in hospital today (29th April) from self-inflicted injuries.

The post appears to have been made by Lawrence.

Counter terrorism police confirmed they are reviewing this post, as well as others such as a video circulating on social media, which appeared to have been recorded from a passing car. The footage shows a man dressed in black, carrying an object, which looks like a crossbow, and a carry case slung over his shoulder.

Officers also noted that they are currently assessing whether these posts are connected to the assailant or the event.

In the now-removed Facebook status, the poster said he would kill “police, if I need to”, and called his political views “reactionary, with some small ‘l’ libertarian sympathies”. He also added that he “explored Far Right ideas”.

via Facebook

The investigation into the posts comes following Saturday’s attack which left two women injured and hospitalised.

One of the victims has been sent home from hospital whilst the other, who has undergone surgery for life-threatening injuries, is now in a stable condition. The women are aged 19 and 31.

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A crossbow and a firearm were recovered at the scene on Otley Road on Saturday, which has caused shock across the community just days before the summer term starts for many Leeds universities.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, said it had taken steps to remove an account apparently linked to the incident.

Taylor’s Sports Bar and Grill, on the famous Otley Run route, remained closed this weekend as the police investigation into the attack continued. In a post on Facebook, the venue says it intends to reopen on Monday.

“Whilst appalling to witness some of the scenes first-hand, lowlife scum like this will never win in our society,” the statement read.

A Leeds graduate who was in Headingley when the attack occurred described the aftermath and panic which ensued: “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 her and her friend had to be locked inside a cafe for 30 to 40 minutes, adding that 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.”

West Yorkshire Police has put out a statement, saying: “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 also 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.”

Featured image via TikTok and Facebook