Crossbow Killer Suspect Found Dead In Rural North Yorkshire

Anthony Lawrence wanted after man murdered and woman injured.
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Police hunting for a man suspected of murdering a neighbour in a crossbow attack have found a body.

Humberside Police said they believed they have found 56-year-old Anthony Lawrence in a vehicle in a rural location in North Yorkshire at around 6pm on Sunday.

He had been subject of a manhunt after 30-year-old Shane Gilmer was killed and his pregnant girlfriend was attacked at their home in the village of  Southburn, near Driffield on Friday night.

Gilmer, who was a well-liked member of his community and known for helping others according to reports, died at Hull Royal Infirmary on Saturday.

Sugden’s injuries were not life-threatening and that she and her unborn baby were in a stable condition.

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Anthony Lawrence was said to be a neighbour of murdered Shane Gilmer.
Humberside Police

Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Miller of Humberside Police said: “Since Friday evening we have been carrying out extensive enquiries into Mr Lawrence’s whereabouts, which led to the location in North Yorkshire, upon where officers discovered a body.”

Earlier, Detective Chief Superintendent Judi Heaton told a news conference that the public should not approach Lawrence, also known as Tony Howarth.

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Shane Gilmer.
PA/Humberside Police

The small village of Southburn was on lockdown during the manhunt, which saw officers scour local woodland.

Officers had appealed for help in tracing the suspect and issued a description and later thanked the public for helping to locate Lawrence’s blue Vauxhall Meriva.

A crossbow was found at the scene of the attack and it was due to be forensically examined.

Police would not comment on what sparked the murderous attack.