The sale of crossbows will be prohibited, and current owners will need to seek a license to retain possession, as per the recent announcement.
In light of various tragic incidents, including the murders of Carol Hunt and her daughters Louise and Hannah in 2024, new regulations will tighten control over these weapons. Laura Sugden, whose partner Shane Gilmer fell victim to a crossbow attack in 2018, expressed relief and anticipated that lives would be safeguarded due to these measures.
Additionally, the use of deadly broadhead arrows will also be banned, marking a significant step forward. This decision follows persistent efforts by Ms. Sugden, who survived a crossbow attack while pregnant and has advocated for stricter regulations.
Reflecting on the impact of these changes, Ms. Sugden stated, “We have long argued that the accessibility of these lethal weapons posed significant risks. Shane’s tragic loss highlighted the failure of the system to address these dangers.”
She further emphasized, “Being part of this transformative process holds deep significance for us. We firmly believe that any new legislation should be named ‘Shane’s Law’ in his memory.”
Continuing her sentiments, she added, “If this ban can prevent another family from enduring our pain, Shane’s legacy will embody protection and progress.”
The fatal incident involving Shane, 30, who was attacked by his neighbor Anthony Lawrence, underscores the urgency for stricter regulations. Lawrence carried out the attack near Driffield, East Yorkshire, after a series of disputes with Shane and Ms. Sugden.
The Government plans to initiate discussions on the licensing of existing crossbow owners. Failure to obtain a license or meet ownership criteria will result in the surrender of the weapon.
A spokesperson from the Home Office stated, “Crossbows possess considerable power and pose serious threats, as recent tragedies have demonstrated. Our foremost objective is ensuring public safety, which drives the implementation of enhanced controls on crossbows, including a licensing framework for current owners and a sales ban, to preempt potential harm.”
“While specifics of the scheme will undergo consultation, we anticipate that current owners can retain their crossbows by complying with the licensing requirements and safety standards,” the spokesperson added.
Presently, selling crossbows to individuals under 18 is illegal, and carrying a crossbow in public without valid justification can lead to up to four years of imprisonment.
The Home Office will soon launch a consultation on the licensing scheme, and the timeline for the ban’s enforcement is yet to be finalized.
The decision to impose these regulations follows a public consultation that garnered nearly 3,000 responses, highlighting concerns over the easy accessibility of crossbows.
Efforts to restrict the use of these weapons were intensified in 2021 after an incident involving Jaswant Singh Chail, who intruded into Windsor Castle brandishing a crossbow and making threats against the Queen.
In a tragic event in 2024, Kyle Clifford used a crossbow to fatally attack sisters Louise Hunt and Hannah at their residence in Bushey, Hertfordshire, after assaulting their mother, Carol. Clifford was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment.
Gemma Vine, solicitor at Ison Harrison representing Ms. Sugden, expressed pride in their role advocating for the prohibition of crossbow sales. She described this development as a pivotal moment resulting from extensive legal and public pressure.
She added, “For too long, crossbows evaded the stringent regulations applied to other lethal weapons. This ban marks a crucial step towards preventing further tragedies and signifies overdue reform.”
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