May pledges action after crossbow death
THERESA May pledged yesterday to consider toughening laws on the sale of crossbows after a heavily pregnant woman became the latest tragic victim of the deadly weapons.
Sana Muhammad, 35, was killed in front of her horrified family at their home in Ilford, east London, on Monday.
Doctors delivered Mrs Muhammad’s son by emergency Caesarean section after rushing her to hospital.
The baby, named Ibrahim, was still in intensive care last night.
Mrs Muhammad’s former husband Ramanodge Unmathallegadoo, 50, has been charged with murder and is due to appear before the Old Bailey today.
Yesterday Mrs May called Mrs Muhammad’s killing a “terrible and tragic” case and vowed to look at whether “further measures” are needed to control sales of crossbows.
The move comes after the Daily Express launched a crusade to restrict the sale of assault-style crossbows which can be bought online and in shops within minutes – and without any background checks on buyers being carried out.
Mrs May spoke out after Ilford North Labour MP Wes Streeting raised the case during Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday.
She said: “Crossbows are subject to strict controls but we keep the legislation under review and we will consider the risk that such weapons pose to public safety and whether further measures are needed.
“We will of course look at that in the context of the legislation we are bringing before the House.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “Crossbows are subject to strict controls and retailers are banned from selling them to a person under 18.”