Leeds Otley Run attack: two women hospitalised, man arrested with self-inflicted injuries

Counter terror police have taken over the investigation into a ‘serious violent incident’ that left two women injured in Leeds.

A crossbow and a firearm were recovered from the scene in Otley Road this afternoon.

Two women were taken to hospital with injuries. They are not thought to be life-threatening.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and taken to the hospital due to a self-inflicted injury.

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.

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.’

Police were called at 2:47pm today following reports of a man armed with weapons, including guns, rifles, a crossbow (Picture: YappApp)

A statement from Counter Terrorism Policing North East said: ‘Officers attended and located three people who had suffered injuries, two of which were women and were taken to hospital for treatment.

‘The third, a 38-year-old man, has been arrested and taken to the hospital due to a self-inflicted injury.

‘Two weapons have been recovered from the scene, which were a crossbow and a firearm.’

The statement added: ‘Due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing North East have taken responsibility for leading the investigation with the support of West Yorkshire Police.

‘Extensive enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances and explore any potential motivation.’

Several areas are cordoned off along the Otley Run. Buses were stopped and passengers forced to get off.

The popular Leeds pub crawl would have been packed with punters enjoying drinks on Saturday afternoon.