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A man, who targeted women with a crossbow at a pub crawl, is said to have been fuelled by ‘misogynistic rage.’
Two women, aged 19 and 31, were hurt after an attack in Leeds on Saturday.
One of the victims underwent life-saving surgery and she is now recovering in a stable condition. The other victim has been discharged from the hospital.
Counter terror police have taken over the investigation into the incident involving a crossbow and a firearm, which were recovered from the scene on Otley Road Saturday afternoon.
The suspect, a 38-year-old man, remains in hospital after a ‘self-inflicted injury’, and he has been arrested.
Detectives searched through the suspect’s flat and analysed a chilling Facebook message with plans for ‘The Otley Run Massacre,’ The Sun reports.
The alleged message, which was removed yesterday, is said to have described the attack as ‘spree killing, mass murder, terrorism,’ with motivations of ‘revenge’ and ‘misogynistic rage,’ with the user considering ‘far-right ideas.’
Another post by the same user outlined their hatred for feminists, according to The Sun.
Footage shows the moment a figure, thought to be a masked man, is seen running with a crossbow on a residential street towards the Otley Run.
It is not known whether the footage was captured before or after the suspected attack.
Bethany Connelly, a waiter at a nearby restaurant, told The Sun that she warned girls dining outside to come inside ‘because they’d seen someone with a crossbow.’
‘Minutes later we saw ambulance and police rushing down,’ she said.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: ‘Although our inquiries are still at a very early stage, the circumstances surrounding this incident have resulted in Counter Terrorism Policing taking the lead for this investigation.
‘From the enquiries undertaken so far, there is no evidence to suggest anyone else was involved in the attack, and, at this time, we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.’
The incident happened on the ‘Otley Run’ pub crawl, which is popular with students celebrating the end of term, and the area would have been packed with punters enjoying drinks on Saturday afternoon.
One venue, Taylor’s Sports Bar and Grill, posted on Facebook on Saturday evening to say it would be closed until further notice ‘due to unforeseen circumstances’.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said her thoughts were with the victims of the incident, adding she was being updated on the situation.
In a statement, she 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.’
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.’
Assistant Chief Constable Carl Galvin of West Yorkshire Police, said: ‘We continue to work closely with our colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing North East as the investigation into yesterday’s very serious incident on Otley Road continues.
‘A number of police scenes remained in place throughout today and uniformed officers remain highly visible in communities to reassure residents, partners and business owners in the affected area.
‘We are aware of the disruption the very necessary police enquiries at our scenes has caused and want to thank residents for their understanding.’
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