In the United Kingdom, the government has announced plans to ban the sale of crossbows following a series of violent incidents, including the tragic murders of BBC racing commentator John Hunt's family. In July 2024, Hunt's wife, Louise Hunt, their daughters, Hannah Hunt and Carol Hunt, were brutally murdered in a crossbow and knife attack at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire. The perpetrator, Kyle Clifford, was sentenced to a whole-life order for the crime, which shocked the nation and raised concerns about the regulation of crossbows, which are easily available online without any licensing or registration requirements. Prior to this announcement, the lack of oversight regarding crossbow ownership had been a significant concern for public safety advocates. The Home Office had received widespread public feedback indicating apprehension about the ease of obtaining these weapons. Following this tragic event, other violent incidents involving crossbows, including a mass stabbing in April 2025, underscored the necessity for stricter controls. The proposed measures include introducing a licensing requirement for current crossbow owners, highlighting the problematic status of crossbows as lethal weapons with little regulation. Advocates for the ban, including Laura Sugden, whose partner was killed by a crossbow in 2018, expressed relief at the government's decision. She emphasized the risks associated with unregulated crossbow ownership, arguing that it has been far too easy for individuals to acquire these dangerous weapons. Sugden hopes that these new measures will prevent further tragedies, making the legislation known as