A forthcoming documentary titled "The Crossbow Murders: The Killings That Shocked Britain," airing on Channel 5, examines the harrowing case of Kyle Clifford, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in March 2025 for the brutal triple murder of his ex-girlfriend, her sister, and their mother. The case has reignited discussions regarding the legality and regulation of crossbows in the UK.
In a meticulously planned attack, the 26-year-old Clifford assaulted his former partner, Louise Hunt, aged 25, before using a crossbow to shoot both her and her sibling, Hannah, aged 28. The violent spree began with the fatal stabbing of their mother, 61-year-old Carol, in their residence located in Bushey, Hertfordshire, in July 2024.
The current legal framework surrounding crossbows in the UK was established under the Crossbows Act of 1987. This legislation permits the purchase of crossbows in England, Scotland, and Wales without the necessity for a licence or registration. However, certain restrictions are in place; individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from buying or possessing a crossbow, and those under 21 cannot use one unless supervised by someone who meets the age requirement. Furthermore, it is illegal to fire a crossbow in a public space, and violations may lead to prosecution, with potential penalties of up to four years in prison. The law also dictates that crossbows can only be employed for target shooting, and hunting with them is prohibited.
The discussion around reforming crossbow ownership laws has gained traction, particularly in the wake of several violent incidents involving these weapons. High-profile cases have included the 2018 murder of Shane Gilmer by Anthony Lawrence in East Yorkshire, and the case of Ramanodge Unmathallegadoo, who fatally shot his pregnant ex-wife, Sana Muhammad, that same year. In a separate incident in 2021, Jaswant Singh Chail was arrested at Windsor Castle while allegedly planning to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II with a crossbow.
In light of these events, former Conservative Home Secretary Priti Patel initiated a review of crossbow ownership to explore possible restrictions. Now, under the leadership of a Labour government, Security Minister Dan Jarvis has stated that reform of these laws will be a "real priority" for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, with intent to expedite the process.
As public attention is directed towards the implications of crossbow accessibility, the upcoming airing of the documentary aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Clifford's actions and their aftermath. The broadcast is set for tonight at 9 PM, further contributing to the ongoing dialogue regarding weapon legislation in the UK.
Source: Noah Wire Services