Is it illegal to carry a crossbow in the UK?

CROSSBOWS are lethal weapons with few ownership restrictions in place.

Following the horrific crossbow crime in Bushey on July 10, 2024, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she will “swiftly” consider the findings of a review into the laws surrounding their purchase and ownership.

Is it illegal to carry a crossbow in the UK?

In the UK it is illegal for anyone under 18 to carry a crossbow under current legislation.

People in Britain do not need a licence to own a crossbow, or even to register the weapons, but carrying one in public without a reasonable excuse is illegal and could lead to time behind bars.

Former Home Secretary Priti Patel commissioned a review on controls following an incident at Windsor Castle on Christmas Day in 2021.

Nineteen-year-old Jaswant Singh Chail was arrested on the grounds of the castle carrying a crossbow.

Following his arrest for the incident, Singh Chail was sentenced to nine years in prison with a further five years on extended licence. 

The previous Conservative government launched a call for evidence in February 2024 to ask whether crossbow laws are tough enough.

Strengthened rules could include a licensing scheme to protect public safety and police checks for anyone looking to purchase a crossbow.

This would mean that crossbows are policed under regulations similar to firearms.

This call for evidence closed on April 9, 2024, but there has been no further development on the laws governing crossbows.

Former Safeguarding Minister Laura Farris said: “Crossbows are used rarely in violent crime in this country but they can be highly dangerous. 

“We’re doing all we can to ensure we have the appropriate measures in place against any risks these potentially dangerous weapons may pose. 

“I encourage the public and those in the industry to come forward to share their views so we can have the most accurate picture and take any necessary action to keep our streets safe.” 

According to the Home Office, there were fewer than 10 homicides by crossbow between 2011 and 2021.

On July 10, 2024, three people were killed in the horrific incident in Bushey.

BBC racing commentator John Hunt found his wife and two of his daughters “tied up and shot with a crossbow” when he got home from work.

Carol Hunt, 61, and daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were found dead inside their house — the prime suspect in their murders is Kyle Clifford.

The home secretary will swiftly consider the findings to see if laws need to be tightened further

Home Office Spokesperson

The ex-Army private, 26, was arrested and bundled into the back of an ambulance on the afternoon of July 10 after armed police swooped on a cemetery in Hilly Fields in Enfield, North London.

What are the laws on carrying a crossbow in the UK?

Anyone carrying a crossbow in public without a reasonable excuse faces up to four years in prison.

Gov.uk explains: “It is illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase or possess a crossbow, and anyone who carries a crossbow in public without reasonable excuse faces up to four years behind bars.”

The new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she will “swiftly” consider the findings of the review following the tragic incident in Bushey.

A Home Office spokesperson said after the Bushey killings: “This is an appalling incident and the home secretary is being kept updated by the police.

“We keep legislation under constant review and a call for evidence was launched earlier this year to look at whether further controls on crossbows should be introduced.

“The home secretary will swiftly consider the findings to see if laws need to be tightened further.”