Leeds crossbow attack suspect died from 'self-inflicted gunshot', inquest hears

A man suspected of attacking two women with a crossbow in Leeds died as a result of a "self-inflicted gunshot wound" to the head, an inquest has heard.

Owen Lawrence, 38, was taken to hospital last month after two women were injured in Otley Road, in the Headingley area of the city, but he died two days later.

Coroner Oliver Longstaff opened and adjourned the inquest into Mr Lawrence's death on Monday and said a post-mortem confirmed he had died at Leeds General Infirmary as a result of a "self-inflicted gunshot wound".

The provisional cause of death was "airgun injury to the head", he added.

West Yorkshire Police were called to Otley Road on 26 April following reports of a man seen with weapons.

Two women, aged 19 and 31, were injured.

One needed surgery after suffering life-threatening injuries, but both have now been discharged from hospital, police said.

The incident occurred on a sunny Saturday afternoon on a route where people enjoy the Otley Run pub crawl.

More than 15 pubs are on the route, which attracts students, residents, as well as stag and hen dos.

Police said at the time that a crossbow and a firearm were recovered at the scene.

The hearing heard how Mr Lawrence, from Headingley, had changed his name by deed poll 25 years ago from Owen Lawrence Eames, and he was registered disabled.

Mr Longstaff said he was identified at the hospital by his mother.

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He said he was still waiting for a final report from the pathologist but that the cause of death was unlikely to change.

The coroner added there was a "deal of investigation" still to be done and he adjourned the hearing to a date to be fixed.

He urged people to apply "appropriate restraint" in speculating about the circumstances which led up to Mr Lawrence's death.

Police believe he was acting alone and said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.

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