Government confirms ‘urgent review’ after crossbow deaths
A consultation on crossbow possession launched by the Conservatives was shelved for the election, but shocking murders make it imperative.
Security minister Dan Jarvis says the Government will move “at pace” to review the law on crossbow ownership, after three women were killed in a crossbow attack in Hertfordshire on 9 July.
The victims of the brutal attack were BBC racing commentator John Hunt’s wife Carol, 61, and two of their daughters — Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25 — who were found with serious injuries at a house in Bushey. Despite attempts to save them, they all died at the scene.
The chief suspect, Kyle Clifford, who is said to have been in a relationship with Louise Hunt, was found with “self-inflicted wounds” in a cemetery in Enfield.
Under the Crossbows Act 1987, it is illegal to buy, sell, hire or possess a crossbow if you are under the age of 18, but those over 18 need no licence to own one. Crossbows can currently be bought online for as little as £50. Some of those on sale in the UK can fire a bolt at over 270mph.
In February the Conservatives launched an eight-week consultation to determine if there should be stricter controls surrounding the sale and use of crossbows. Any action based on the findings was cut short when Rishi Sunak lost the election.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is urgently considering whether tougher crossbow laws are needed in the wake of the killings. Mr Jarvis confirmed: “There was a call for evidence that was initiated a number of months ago. She [Ms Cooper] will want to consider that evidence in the round.”
Professional stalker and bow sports enthusiast Charlie Blance told Shooting Times: “Though the recent events concerning crossbows are abhorrent, the fault is never that of the tool, but the person wielding it.
“I believe crossbows should not be banned nor licensed; rather their sale should be properly regulated,” she added.
She said crossbows are often treated as toys and are too easily accessible for “untrained and ill-intentioned” people, but are also legitimate sporting equipment used for target archery across the country. “By banning them you punish law-abiding citizens and not the perpetrators of these crimes,” she pointed out.
Charlie suggests “enforced regulation” on the sale of crossbows as a solution that would avoid further strain on police licensing authorities and minimise the bureaucratic burden for lawful users.
