What is crossbow, a medieval-era weapon used in UK triple murder?
File image of a crossbow, a medieval age weapon
A 26-year-old British man,who is a prime suspect in the triple murder of a BBC racing commentator’s family members, including his wife and two daughters, was recently arrestedfrom Bushey in Hertfordshire.
The suspect, Kyle Clifford allegedly attacked the three women when they were at their home in Bushey, with an unusual weapon- a crossbow.
The triple killings left the residents of the UK town stunned. The incident has once again sparked the debate over the use and possession of crossbows.
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The history of using this unconventional weapon in the UK is decades old.
What is a crossbow?
A crossbow is a short-range weapon depicting a bow and arrow. It consists of a bow attached to a wooden or metal frame that can fire arrow-like projectiles called bolts.
Crossbows first emerged in England during the medieval times. Historically, they were used as military weapons. They were also widely used in hunting in old times, and are still a common tool in archery and other sporting events.
UK laws aboutthe use of crossbows
There is a proper law for owning a crossbow called the Crossbows Act 1987. Under this law, buying a crossbow in England, Scotland and Wales is legal, and owners are not required to register the weapon or hold a licence. Similar legislation covers Northern Ireland too.
However, it is illegal:
- for under-18s to own or buy one
- for under-21s to shoot one, unless under the supervision of someone older
- for owners to rent or lend one to anyone else
- to shoot one in a public space or any private place without permission
The maximum penalty for the sale or hire of a crossbow to anyone under 18 is six months imprisonment or a fine. If a person is found with a crossbow in a public place, they could be prosecuted for possessing an offensive weapon in a public area, which carries a maximum sentence of four years imprisonment.
While being transported, a crossbow must be kept in a condition in which it cannot be fired. The legislation applies to all crossbows with a "draw weight" - the force needed to pull the bow into the anchor position - of 1.4kg (3lb) or more.
Recent crossbow attacks
Although crossbow attacks are rare, with fewer than 10 deaths between 2011 and 2021, there have been a number of high-profile cases.
In one of the most recent cases of crossbow attacks, an Indian man namedJaswant Singh Chail was arrested after going to Windsor Castle with plans to assassinate Elizabeth II with a crossbow. He was jailed for nine years for treason. The incident took place in December 2021.
(With inputs from agencies)