Counter terrorism police are investigating after two women were seriously injured in Leeds and a man arrested with a crossbow and firearm recovered at the scene.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East said it has taken over the investigation after a police operation was launched in a popular hospitality district in the northern city when three people were injured in a “serious incident”.
West Yorkshire Police were called to Otley Road, Leeds, at 2.47pm on Saturday after “reports of an ongoing serious incident involving a man seen with weapons”.
Two women were seriously injured and the third, a 38-year-old man, has been arrested and taken to the hospital due to a self-inflicted injury.
Police said a crossbow and a firearm were recovered from the scene.
Counter Terror Police issued a statement saying they were taking responsibility for leading the investigation, with support from West Yorkshire Police, “due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The force said they were keeping an open mind as they gathered more information to find out what happened.
Assistant Chief Constable Carl Galvin of West Yorkshire Police, who commanded the police operation, said: “Clearly this has been a shocking incident and we fully realise the concern it has caused.
“Due to the enquiry being active we are limited in what we can say, but I do want to reassure residents that everything possible is being done to investigate and understand what took place.
“We have an extensive number of uniformed officers deployed in the Otley Road area this evening to reassure residents and continue our enquiries at the crime scenes.
“I also want to thank members of the public for the support they gave victims and the emergency services as we attended the scene.
“We would strongly urge people not to speculate online or share information or footage which could affect the active investigation and continue to work closely with colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing North East.
“We are also working with other partner agencies and key community representatives to reassure them and keep them informed.”
An extensive cordon remains in place in the Otley Road area.
Police asked that anyone with further information or any eyewitnesses call 101 quoting log number 925 of 26 April.
The incident reportedly happened during the Otley Run, a popular pub crawl route in Leeds. People were out running in their fancy dress for the crawl, which is seen as a rite of passage among students, involving 17 venues.
Local media earlier cited an eyewitness who said that people had asked to hide inside the restaurant she worked at.
A woman who works at the Heaney & Mill restaurant told Leeds Live: “I was at work at a nearby restaurant and some girls were sitting outside. They asked if they could come in and finish what they were having because they’d seen someone with a crossbow.”
Taylor’s Sports Bar & Grill, on the Otley Road, announced it would be closed until further notice.
A statement on its Facebook page read: “Due to unforeseen circumstances we will be closed until further notice – Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, said: “Shocking news from Headingley this afternoon. My thoughts are with all of those affected. If you have any information or concerns regarding this incident, please call 101.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin added: “I am being fully briefed by West Yorkshire Police as they work with local communities on the ground.
“As a suspect is in custody, I would ask people to refrain from sharing any speculation across social media.”
In a statement, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I am being kept updated on the serious violent incident in Leeds this afternoon.
“Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response.
“My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this attack.”
Source: independent.co.uk
