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Counter-terrorism police are scrutinizing Facebook posts potentially outlining plans for a “massacre,” connected to an attack in Leeds where two women sustained severe injuries. The investigation focuses on understanding the motive and circumstances surrounding this disturbing incident.
Leeds Attack: Counter-Terrorism Police Investigate Facebook Posts
Authorities are examining Facebook posts that surfaced, seemingly detailing plans for a “massacre,” as part of their probe into a recent assault in Leeds. In the incident, two women were critically wounded.
Arrest and Weapon Recovery
- A 38-year-old man, who sustained a “self-inflicted injury,” has been apprehended.
- Two weapons, specifically a crossbow and a firearm, were seized from the site of the incident along the Otley Run, a well-known pub route in the northern part of the city.
Suspect’s Condition and Victim Updates
Police identified the 38-year-old man as a “key suspect” on Sunday. He remains hospitalized in critical condition. One of the victims, a 19-year-old, has been released from medical care. However, the other victim, aged 31, underwent surgery for life-threatening wounds and is currently in stable condition.
Social Media Video
Law enforcement is also aware of a video circulating on social media. The footage appears to have been captured from a passing vehicle, showing an individual clad in black carrying an object and a carrying case.
Police Statement on the Leeds Incident
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, stated that officers are diligently working to ascertain the complete facts surrounding Saturday’s occurrence. “We are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this matter, which has caused understandable concern. We believe it was an isolated incident,” Dunkerley added.
Political Response to the Leeds Attack
Alex Sobel, the Labour MP representing Leeds Central and Headingley, communicated with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Security Minister Dan Jarvis regarding aspects of the violent act. Sobel expressed gratitude to the local community and emergency services for their response. He highlighted the broader implications of finding lethal weapons in a bustling area, such as the popular pub crawl location in Leeds.
Concerns Regarding Weapon Availability
Sobel plans to address the issue of weapon accessibility linked to the incident, as well as strategies for ensuring public safety in crowded areas.
Facebook Posts and Potential Far-Right Connections
Counter-terrorism police are reviewing several Facebook posts, one of which seemed to contain plans for a “mass-murder” attack. They aim to establish if these posts are connected to the suspect or the incident.
Details of the Facebook Posts
- The suspect’s post appeared on a Facebook account displaying far-right leanings and a “mixed ideology,” which has increasingly caught the attention of counter-terrorism authorities.
- Identified “targets” included students, nightclub attendees, and “neurotypicals.”
- The post alluded to a “manifesto” composed by the perpetrator of the 2019 shootings targeting a mosque and Islamic center in New Zealand, where 51 people were killed.
Meta’s Response
Meta, Facebook’s parent company, confirmed it had removed an account seemingly associated with the incident.
Community Response to the Leeds Incident
The attack sent shockwaves throughout the Headingley area in Leeds, a locale frequented by both students and others engaging in the pub circuit. This event occurred just days before the commencement of summer courses for many universities.
Local Bar’s Statement
One establishment, Taylor’s Sports Bar and Grill, remained closed throughout the weekend due to the police investigation. However, it posted on Facebook its intention to reopen on Monday, stating, “While appalling to witness some of the scenes first-hand, lowlife scum like this will never win in our society.”
Eyewitness Accounts
According to an employee at a local bar, a multitude of emergency vehicles converged on the area following the attack. While staff were notified and remained vigilant, the gravity of the situation did not become widely known until the evening, leaving many “really shaken.”
Increased Online Radicalization
Recently, a joint taskforce comprising counter-terrorism police and the National Crime Agency was formed. Its purpose is to address instances of young males’ online fixation with violence, frequently exacerbated by “strongly misogynistic” content.