Crossbow attacker discovered on Leeds Beckett’s campus after shooting himself with firearm

The main suspect of the Headingley crossbow attack was discovered on Leeds Beckett’s campus after shooting himself with a firearm.

Owen Lawrence, 38, died on Tuesday 29th April from a self-inflicted injury.

He was discovered at Beckett Park, which is part of Leeds Beckett University’s campus.

Located about an eight minute walk from the scene, officers also found various weapons, including a crossbow and a firearm.

Lawrence’s two victims, a 19-year-old and a 31-year-old woman, both survived the attack. One of the women needed surgery for life-threatening injuries, but is now in a stable condition, and the other victim has been discharged.

Leeds Beckett University reassured students that its campus was “open as usual” in a statement, following the police cordon being lifted around St Chad’s Drive on Sunday 27th April.

The university added that it will make sure “support is provided for those students and colleagues who need it.”

Lawrence was being investigated by counter terrorism police, who are examining social media posts that allegedly outline plans to undertake the attack.

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

Alex White, who lives in the area, told the BBC the incident could have been “much worse” considering the amount of students living in Headingley.

“With it being the Otley Run there’s lots of students who drink and usually it’s quite a happy and silly time.

“I feel it could have been a really bad incident, so I’m very glad it wasn’t.”

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Flo Sillett, a 19-year-old Leeds student, said that she first heard news of the attack whilst getting ready for a night out in Headingley: “My friend text me at the time right when we were going to go out, telling me not to go out, but everything had stopped by about 5pm.”

She added that the area is usually very safe, so the attack has not left her feeling concerned for her own safety.

Counter Terrorism Policing North East has said it believes Lawrence was acting on his own, with police not currently seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

Tracy Brabin, the mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “My thoughts remain with the victims and wider community following the horrific incident in Headingley at the weekend.”

Featured image via TikTok/Google Street View