A mother has shared the heartbreaking reality that her daughter will grow up without ever knowing her father, who was tragically murdered by a neighbor using a crossbow.

Laura Sugden, who was pregnant at the time, lost her partner Shane Gilmer in a horrific incident in January 2018. The assailant, Anthony Lawrence, ambushed the couple in their home’s loft space after a previous confrontation over noise complaints, which culminated in the fatal attack.

During the attack, Laura, carrying their unborn daughter Ella, was shot in the head and neck, while Shane sustained injuries to his forearm and abdomen. Despite the tragedy, Laura managed to survive and later gave birth to Ella, but she now faces the heartache of raising a daughter who will never get to know her father.

In response to the violence, the government announced plans to prohibit the sale of crossbows and hunting arrows, requiring existing owners to obtain licenses and undergo suitability checks. Laura, who campaigned for stricter regulations following Shane’s murder, emphasized the dangers posed by these weapons and the need for tighter control measures.

Highlighting the risks associated with crossbows, Laura pointed out the ease of acquiring such deadly weapons compared to firearms. She stressed the importance of licensing systems to prevent further tragedies and reduce the strain on emergency services responding to crossbow-related incidents.

Despite the government’s efforts to tighten regulations, Laura emphasized the lasting impact of Shane’s murder on her life and the ongoing need for vigilance against crossbow-related violence. She expressed solidarity with others affected by similar tragedies, such as BBC commentator John Hunt, whose family fell victim to a crossbow attack in 2024.

The government’s decision to strengthen crossbow regulations followed a consultation highlighting concerns over the accessibility and misuse of these weapons. The review was prompted by a thwarted attempt on the late Queen’s life using a crossbow, underscoring the urgency of implementing stricter controls to prevent future harm.