Outrage over crossbow sales near lair of 'Crossbow Cannibal' (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

The problem is where do you stop? There will be other stores in Bradford selling rucksacks/backpacks like those used by suicide bombers. Should we ban those as well?

The Yorkshire Ripper used false number plates from scrap yards yet every car I see have number plates.

The ultimate use to which something is put is not a reason for an outright ban upon it - especially if it involves the Police who are not there to make up laws but to enforce them.

The last time I had the misfortune to be in Bradford I happened to walk past the shop in question. What I saw was quite shocking: knives, imitation guns, BB guns, samurai swords (for ‘display purposes only’) and all the accoutrements your average pot-head could ever want (bongs, pipes etc). It presented an absolutely terrible image of Bradford. What made it significantly worse is that it is located on one of the main shopping arteries in Bradford and (worse still) from a distance it actually looks like a respectable shop. The owner ought to be thoroughly ashamed – no wonder he is ‘unavailable for comment’. So long as his cash register’s ringing from the coin of the scum of Bradford he’ll be well pleased. And while we’re at it another complete eyesore that does Bradford’s image no good whatsoever (retail or otherwise) is the huge ‘hydroponics’ shop on Manningham Lane. For those unaware of what this is it supplies lighting equipment for the mass-production of cannabis (and this in a town that is plagued with cannabis ‘factories’). I had to do a double take when I saw it: it ostensibly looks like a respectable business but then it dawned on me. WTF are Bradford council thinking giving a trader’s licence to such a shop (admittedly working within the fringes of the law) in such a high profile location? What a dump Bradford is. And what a joke this council truly is.

You will get no argument about Bradford being a sh1thole. However, any headline which uses the word 'outrage' should always be read with a large degree of scepticism.

Bit rich coming from a man who`s mumbo jumbo believes have ruined the lives of many millions over the centuries are are still doing so. I would be more frightened of what he has in his rucksack than what this shop sells although the weapons sold should be banned.

Yes Collos, those pesky Reverends inciting hate and packing rucksacks full of expolosives we read about daily.

What a load of twaddle, everyone is offended by something we just don't run to the media to cry about it.
This is just another case of the T&A jumping on a bandwaggon " oo, something has happened.. lets make it last as long as possible "
I'm sorry but there is far worse in the world than a few weapons being sold in a shop...

And while we’re at it another complete eyesore that does Bradford’s image no good whatsoever (retail or otherwise) is the huge ‘hydroponics’ shop on Manningham Lane. For those unaware of what this is it supplies lighting equipment for the mass-production of cannabis (and this in a town that is plagued with cannabis ‘factories’). I had to do a double take when I saw it: it ostensibly looks like a respectable business .................YOU CAN BUY THE SEEDS BUT NOT GERMINATE THEM WHOS STUPID THE SHOP KEEPERS OR THE GOVERMENT,ALSO NOT EVERY ONE WHO OWNS A CROSSBOW KILLS PROSTITUTES.

"ALSO NOT EVERY ONE WHO OWNS A CROSSBOW KILLS PROSTITUTES."
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Ummm.... While that is a correct statement, why would anyone actually want to own a crossbow? Im guessing the sort of person with no friends. And who hasn't had contact with the opposite sex for about 10 years (unless they have to pay for it.....)

They've only just noticed that shop, been there a good 15 years

There used to be a shop in a very successful shopping center in Leeds, that sold realistic looking weapons made of latex. Worse still they were for people to run around with at the weekend at hit each other with. Worthwhile looking up Dark Dungeons by Jack T. Chick, and "Tough Gig with Dara O'Briain"

At least with Carter's such stuff was on upper floors along with sporting goods. BB Guns, swords, knives and cross bows don't exactly do Bradford's image any favours, I'd be surprised if some of the lads buying in there were actually 18. Still the image of closed shops, bookies and shisha lounges is far from inviting a family retail experience.

"ALSO NOT EVERY ONE WHO OWNS A CROSSBOW KILLS PROSTITUTES."

And not everyone with a car speeds. But yet when one person does 90mpg in a 30mph, the councils automatically think that making the area a 20mph zone will make them slow down.

As usually its not the object that needs to be dealt with but the people who misuse the object.

Nobody's mentioned the elephant in the room. After each serial killing of prostitutes (eg Bradford & Ipswich) the politicians talk about the sensible solution of legalising prostitution - yet this is soon forgotten and we hear of "clampdowns on prostitution" which only drive it further underground. We can't go down the route of banning every potentially lethal object - Peter Sutcliffe used hammers - are we to ban them?

webess wrote:
Nobody's mentioned the elephant in the room. After each serial killing of prostitutes (eg Bradford & Ipswich) the politicians talk about the sensible solution of legalising prostitution - yet this is soon forgotten and we hear of "clampdowns on prostitution" which only drive it further underground. We can't go down the route of banning every potentially lethal object - Peter Sutcliffe used hammers - are we to ban them?

You make a fair and wholly valid point. The root cause behind 99% of this issue and crime in general is heroin, it needs to be provided legally by the NHS to addicts, that's the only solution, the odd MP and even police commissioner has said as much but no one listens.

The trouble with these people who turn in2 serial killers and whatever are very good at living a Dr Jekell and Mr Hyde type of life!So the use all kind of different things to kill there victims!
This guy was so good he hid it all his life.If he was studying at uni and handing in written work, howcome the lectures and people who marked this work didn't pick up on it? After all they are suppose to be teaching others how to look ourt for these things! and only now are people coming forward to say how weird he was as a child and in later life...I suppose you could study these kind of people (if you know who they are and how do you really know?)from the day they were born...but like I said who is to know?It only shows itself when they do something evil....and then they slip up and Joe Public is usually the one who starts the ball rolling??

I did think the swords and knives were the real thing in this shop, so for years I have never bought anything there never mind entering it, I just walk by.
Purhaps the rest of you should not buy there too.

This is actually great advertising for the shop, does anyone know if I take a copy of this article will I get 10% discount?

I've been to that shop before and I always thought the shop owners son ( the beardy one) aka black **** was a bit weird.

I've been to that shop before and I always thought the shop owners son ( the beardy one) aka black **** was a bit weird.

Now it makes sence why the black **** sends the videos of "I'm watching you" he MF stalker. Think about it he's been stalking people now he's got then weapons too.

To all those that are thinking of buying these weapons for criminal offences.

They say, "Crime doesn't pay."

Well, I work in Cash Converters and apparently it does.    

These types of weapons need removing from the shop in question. Their sale needs to be banned outright. The owner of the shop sells cannabis seeds, legal highs, **** and drug paraphernalia and it needs to stop. The owners of the shop have no shame whatsoever and they cannot call themselves muslims which I think they are. That shop sells nothing of any value to society and I hope it closes down and everybody needs to boycot it. I stopped going to the shop years ago after I saw what was in the front window. It is totally disgusting and unacceptable. It seems some types of people do not care so long as a profit is there. If Stephen Griffiths crossbow was purchased from this shop and later used to murder, then the owners of this shop have blood on thier hands. period.

If people are going to make comments about what is or is not acceptable to sell, then they should check their facts first. Any "weapons" are fake and for decorative purposes only, they could not actually be used. They also sell dragons, fibre-optic lights and other ornaments too. I have not been in the shop for a while but they do not and have never sold cannabis seeds. Most of the stuff in there is for shisha pipes which is totally legal to smoke in the home. Check your facts. Could it be that what you are actually opposed to is that they sell tobacco which is still perfectly legal!!

*I* wouldn't want a crossbow & I'd feel uncomfortable around anyone who did, but this is ridiculous. I'm not going to repeat the points already made.
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Haven't people got better things to complain about?

spottedsnake wrote:
If people are going to make comments about what is or is not acceptable to sell, then they should check their facts first. Any "weapons" are fake and for decorative purposes only, they could not actually be used. They also sell dragons, fibre-optic lights and other ornaments too. I have not been in the shop for a while but they do not and have never sold cannabis seeds. Most of the stuff in there is for shisha pipes which is totally legal to smoke in the home. Check your facts. Could it be that what you are actually opposed to is that they sell tobacco which is still perfectly legal!!

Actually they did sell cannabis seeds. In the glass cabinet along with legal highs like salvia, and other packets that are designed to mimic bags of skunk. The strain of cannabis seeds they sold were Northern Lights priced at 14.99. They openly sell bongs, glass crack pipes that you would never use for tobacco. They sell all kinds of total rubbish. I also think that the sale of tobacco should be restricted further with strict limits imposed upon its display and in-store advertizing. I say, shut the dam place down. As for shisha, it needs to be discouraged. The knives that I have seen on display, fake or not, they look like metal implements and offensive weapons to me, should be banned outright. In a country where we hear of stabbing everyday, literally everyday this needs to be banned. What are you , stupid or something. Have your senses and sense of morality become so anaesthetized by alcoholism that you have become retarded.

Anybody who's been drinking should refrain from commenting until sober. If that is possible.

spottedsnake wrote:
If people are going to make comments about what is or is not acceptable to sell, then they should check their facts first. Any "weapons" are fake and for decorative purposes only, they could not actually be used. They also sell dragons, fibre-optic lights and other ornaments too. I have not been in the shop for a while but they do not and have never sold cannabis seeds. Most of the stuff in there is for shisha pipes which is totally legal to smoke in the home. Check your facts. Could it be that what you are actually opposed to is that they sell tobacco which is still perfectly legal!!

Hows this for a fact, after the VCR Act was passed this shop continued to sell its stock of BB guns that fell into the Real Imitation Firearm category (i.e. were in a black finish and 1:1), though I'm assuming they don't do that now.
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Whilst I do think the UK Laws if anything are too strict, the fact remains this shop doesn't present a good visual impression for shopping in Bradford, especially being sited on the border of Centenary Square.

That should have read "Realistic Imitation Firearm" - even those BB guns in the brightly coloured finish to comply with legislation, often fire BBs at or in excess of 300 FPS (feet per second) which can blind or remove teeth if shot in a person's face, so they're not decorative at all and are perfectly capable of causing non-fatal injuries.
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Unless the "decorative" knives are made of plastic they could be used irresponsibly too.
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Such items as sold by Barkers are normally only sold meeting legislation and in a responsible manner by specialised sporting retailers that will ensure customers are over 18 and have (where appropriate) a UKARA membership. I wouldn't trust a normal shop to understand or to comply with the letter of the law.
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At least it explains the BB pellet dints on the car door when parked on Sunbridge Road.

Finally the cross bow, looking online at the Armex brand the T & A mentions as being sold, it does actually fire bolts so again is not decorative.
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http://www.bladesand
bows.co.uk/armex-spi
tfire-50lb-crossbow-
pistol-6-p.asp
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Online retailers note of the Armex "it is not to be considered a toy" and even a 50lb bow string would deliver a bolt at sufficient stength to cause serious injury.
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http://www.armexltd.
co.uk/page34.html

The Rev Howson and some posters on here should visit America. If they're outraged by crossbows on sale, how would they react to assault rifles on sale in supermarkets?

OK, then if you believe that this shop is selling goods that are illegal under English law, then report them to the police. If that is genuinely the case then action will be taken.
Who does "likethis" think he/she is to pass any "moral" judgement on me personally. So I express an opinion he/she does not like, well like it or not I am equally entitled to express my opinion as you are. I actually believe in freedom, the freedom to buy and sell and consume whatever is lawful and the rights of personal choice. I don't believe that banning goods succeeds in doing anything except denying that personal choice and my opinion and morals are just as valid as yours. By the way, I rarely drink alcohol, and I don't celebrate Christmas. Personal choice.

likethis wrote:

spottedsnake wrote:
If people are going to make comments about what is or is not acceptable to sell, then they should check their facts first. Any "weapons" are fake and for decorative purposes only, they could not actually be used. They also sell dragons, fibre-optic lights and other ornaments too. I have not been in the shop for a while but they do not and have never sold cannabis seeds. Most of the stuff in there is for shisha pipes which is totally legal to smoke in the home. Check your facts. Could it be that what you are actually opposed to is that they sell tobacco which is still perfectly legal!!

Actually they did sell cannabis seeds. In the glass cabinet along with legal highs like salvia, and other packets that are designed to mimic bags of skunk. The strain of cannabis seeds they sold were Northern Lights priced at 14.99. They openly sell bongs, glass crack pipes that you would never use for tobacco. They sell all kinds of total rubbish. I also think that the sale of tobacco should be restricted further with strict limits imposed upon its display and in-store advertizing. I say, shut the dam place down. As for shisha, it needs to be discouraged. The knives that I have seen on display, fake or not, they look like metal implements and offensive weapons to me, should be banned outright. In a country where we hear of stabbing everyday, literally everyday this needs to be banned. What are you , stupid or something. Have your senses and sense of morality become so anaesthetized by alcoholism that you have become retarded.

You're not very good at hiding your agenda are you? You couldn't give a **** about this story. As long as you can get your anti-alcohol rant in you're happy.

You're an offensive moron.

webess wrote:
The Rev Howson and some posters on here should visit America. If they're outraged by crossbows on sale, how would they react to assault rifles on sale in supermarkets?

The difference is, Joe Public in England tends to be unarmed whilst the criminals readily carry weapons, wereas everyone in the US (state depending) is allowed to own a gun and is allowed to shoot it for self defence so the playing field is even at least.
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The problem we have in the UK is we try and ban everything rather than put the responsibility on the individual for their own actions.
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My concern apart for the negative impact shops like this have an the look of the retail environment is BB guns and crossbows do seem find there way to under 18's, given these days there isn't the respect for or fear of authority you end up with the likes of the idiot who was shooting shoppers with his BB gun on the street and even posed for a photo in the T & A.
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Overall though Rev Howson should be more outraged by the entire state of the city centre.

Fake or Real it seems you can still be hurt or in this case killed!So whats the difference?You can get killed by them!
If they made it so that whoever was using it, had it blow up in there face or shoot backward when using it that might help!But that isn't gonna happen!

webess wrote:
The Rev Howson and some posters on here should visit America. If they're outraged by crossbows on sale, how would they react to assault rifles on sale in supermarkets?

We are not in America.

Windyass wrote:

likethis wrote:

spottedsnake wrote: If people are going to make comments about what is or is not acceptable to sell, then they should check their facts first. Any "weapons" are fake and for decorative purposes only, they could not actually be used. They also sell dragons, fibre-optic lights and other ornaments too. I have not been in the shop for a while but they do not and have never sold cannabis seeds. Most of the stuff in there is for shisha pipes which is totally legal to smoke in the home. Check your facts. Could it be that what you are actually opposed to is that they sell tobacco which is still perfectly legal!!

Actually they did sell cannabis seeds. In the glass cabinet along with legal highs like salvia, and other packets that are designed to mimic bags of skunk. The strain of cannabis seeds they sold were Northern Lights priced at 14.99. They openly sell bongs, glass crack pipes that you would never use for tobacco. They sell all kinds of total rubbish. I also think that the sale of tobacco should be restricted further with strict limits imposed upon its display and in-store advertizing. I say, shut the dam place down. As for shisha, it needs to be discouraged. The knives that I have seen on display, fake or not, they look like metal implements and offensive weapons to me, should be banned outright. In a country where we hear of stabbing everyday, literally everyday this needs to be banned. What are you , stupid or something. Have your senses and sense of morality become so anaesthetized by alcoholism that you have become retarded.

You're not very good at hiding your agenda are you? You couldn't give a **** about this story. As long as you can get your anti-alcohol rant in you're happy. You're an offensive moron.

Whats that terrible smell?

likethis wrote:

Windyass wrote:

likethis wrote:

spottedsnake wrote: If people are going to make comments about what is or is not acceptable to sell, then they should check their facts first. Any "weapons" are fake and for decorative purposes only, they could not actually be used. They also sell dragons, fibre-optic lights and other ornaments too. I have not been in the shop for a while but they do not and have never sold cannabis seeds. Most of the stuff in there is for shisha pipes which is totally legal to smoke in the home. Check your facts. Could it be that what you are actually opposed to is that they sell tobacco which is still perfectly legal!!

Actually they did sell cannabis seeds. In the glass cabinet along with legal highs like salvia, and other packets that are designed to mimic bags of skunk. The strain of cannabis seeds they sold were Northern Lights priced at 14.99. They openly sell bongs, glass crack pipes that you would never use for tobacco. They sell all kinds of total rubbish. I also think that the sale of tobacco should be restricted further with strict limits imposed upon its display and in-store advertizing. I say, shut the dam place down. As for shisha, it needs to be discouraged. The knives that I have seen on display, fake or not, they look like metal implements and offensive weapons to me, should be banned outright. In a country where we hear of stabbing everyday, literally everyday this needs to be banned. What are you , stupid or something. Have your senses and sense of morality become so anaesthetized by alcoholism that you have become retarded.

You're not very good at hiding your agenda are you? You couldn't give a **** about this story. As long as you can get your anti-alcohol rant in you're happy. You're an offensive moron.

Whats that terrible smell?

Marmite on Toast.

They are some very sick people out their just jumpimg on the bandwagon, this sicko killed people with a crossbow he used a real one.

What next a news story that someone covered their house in **** what will these sickos do go out a purchase **** well at least it will be free.

Do these people not have any brains at all, if they had no interest in purchasing these weapons before this incident whay the sudden interest now? morbid thats what they are, they must have too much time on their hands.

"why would anyone actually want to own a crossbow? Im guessing the sort of person with no friends."

Didn't you shoot down a helicopter with one, Rambo?

cheeky1 wrote:
The trouble with these people who turn in2 serial killers and whatever are very good at living a Dr Jekell and Mr Hyde type of life!So the use all kind of different things to kill there victims!
This guy was so good he hid it all his life.If he was studying at uni and handing in written work, howcome the lectures and people who marked this work didn't pick up on it? After all they are suppose to be teaching others how to look ourt for these things! and only now are people coming forward to say how weird he was as a child and in later life...I suppose you could study these kind of people (if you know who they are and how do you really know?)from the day they were born...but like I said who is to know?It only shows itself when they do something evil....and then they slip up and Joe Public is usually the one who starts the ball rolling??

I've said it in other posts and I'll say it again. Mr Griffiths was not a Criminology Student! His doctorate was supervised by the local history dept. This 'fact' has been propagated across the media, The Times even did a completely irrelevant Op-ed article on his criminology studies!