Overview

• The UK Government has tabled amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill to strengthen age verification for online crossbow sales and deliveries.
• The move follows a violent attack in Leeds on April 26, where two women were injured, and a crossbow and firearm were recovered at the scene.
• A 38-year-old man, identified as the key suspect in the Leeds attack, was arrested and remains hospitalized due to a self-inflicted injury.
• The Government plans to publish its response to a 2024 consultation on crossbow licensing, which had stalled after the general election.
• Current UK law restricts crossbow sales to minors and public carriage without a valid excuse, but no licensing or registration is required for adult ownership.