Crossbow attack victims call for tighter regulations on weapons

A woman whose partner was murdered by a crossbow-wielding neighbor has called on the government to tighten restrictions on weapons.

Laura Sugden and Shane Gilmer Assaulted by neighbor Anthony Lawrence In 2018, when he broke into their east yorkshire Returned home and shot them both with a crossbow.

Laura, who was pregnant at the time, was injured in the attack, but she and the couple’s unborn daughter survived.

The attacker is Later found dead.

Anyone over the age of 18 can own a crossbow, but upon review, work from home A call for evidence has been launched to seek public feedback on whether people need to get a license.

This is a significant moment for Ms Sugden, who has been campaigning around the issue since Sean’s death.

“Nothing would make me happier than seeing some kind of guidance on crossbows,” she said.

“I feel horrified to think that anyone over 18 can own them and I feel like it’s the last thing I can do for Sean to try to push them to be consistent with firearms.”

Concerns about the lack of control over the crossbow were raised by the coroner in a prevention of future fatalities report to the Home Office following the inquest into Sean’s death.

The Home Office responded that the current law struck the right balance.

But Home Secretary announces review after intruders were arrested Caught entering Windsor Castle courtyard Crossbow intended to kill the late Queen on Boxing Day 2021.

The prospect of legislation alarms those who use crossbows for legitimate sporting reasons. Archery is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.

Raynor Pepper is a competitive archer who helps run courses and sales at Phoenix Archery in Burnley. lancashireSays: “You may have some gardening tools that are far more dangerous.

“Anything that falls into the wrong hands becomes a weapon and is treated as a weapon. So where does it end?”

She said more and more people are seeking exercise and social connection through archery.

Ms Pepper added: “I just worry that something like this will narrow their scope and change their lives.

“Let’s be honest, any gun crime is not committed by a licensed gun owner, so what happens to it?”

Ms Sugden said she was shocked by the ease with which crossbows were available online.

For her and Shane’s daughter, born just months after his death, the new legislation will vindicate her campaign.

“My only hope and wish is that no family has to go through anything because of that weapon, what my family and Sean’s family had,” she said.