Further Update – 29/04/2025
This is an update in relation to the incident in Headingley, Leeds, on Saturday April 26.
We can confirm that the 38 year old man who was arrested and taken to hospital on Saturday with a self-inflicted injury, has died.
This man was the key suspect and we can name him as Owen Lawrence from Headingley, Leeds.
We believe he was acting on his own and are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this matter.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East will continue to conduct a thorough and extensive investigation to establish the facts and circumstances around the incident.
A file will be compiled and passed to the coroner.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: “Officers will continue to conduct enquiries and we ask that if anyone has information that may assist, to pass this to police.
“We understand there are concerns around the incident, and questions about how and why this has happened. Our teams are committed to carrying out an in-depth investigation to provide answers to those affected.
“We continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Police to support the local community and thank residents for their support and understanding over the weekend.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this incident.”
Leeds District Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said: “We fully appreciate the understandable shock and concern that this incident has caused in the Headingley community, and we are continuing to work closely alongside our partner agencies to support and reassure those living, working or studying in, or visiting the area.
“We have put a comprehensive visibility and engagement plan in place in the area to provide an increased police and partnership presence that will remain over the coming days, both on the streets and around key events in the community.
“We are absolutely committed to making sure that people feel safe to go about their daily lives in the area following this incident.
“As ever, we would advise people to report any suspicious or unusual behaviour to us immediately through 101 or 999 in an emergency, or to officers on the ground, or venue or event staff.”
Statement – 28/04/2025
Counter Terrorism Policing North East, with support from West Yorkshire Police, are continuing their investigation into the incident in Leeds on Saturday (April 26).
West Yorkshire Police were called to Otley Road, Leeds at 14:47 to reports of an ongoing serious incident involving a man seen with weapons.
Officers attended and located three people who had suffered injuries, two of which were women, aged 19 and 31. They were taken to hospital for treatment.
The third, a 38-year-old man was arrested and taken to hospital due to a self-inflicted injury. We can confirm this man is the key suspect, and he remains in hospital in a critical condition.
One of the victims has been discharged from hospital. The other has undergone surgery after suffering life-threatening injuries. She is now recovering in hospital and is in a stable condition.
Cordons that were in place in Headingley have now been lifted.
We are aware of footage being circulated on social media. If you are in possession of any information or witnessed the incident, please contact police. You can call 101 quoting log number 925 of 26 April.
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.”