By
PAUL JEEVES - EXCLUSIVE
We were able to visit a shop yards from one of Britain's busiest city centre high streets and buy a high-velocity 175lb Panther crossbow which boasts the promise "Built for power".
The terrifying weapon, bought in Leeds, is capable of hitting a target with its aluminium-pointed bolts at 500 yards.
Like many other brands it comes with a telescopic sight to make aiming easier and is designed to be as straightforward as possible to shoot.
Experts say they are more powerful than some air rifles that have to be licensed.
The use of crossbows for hunting is banned in the UK
With the sharp rise of violent crime across the country, it is essential that the Government gets to grip with the risks weapons pose
Rachael Maskell MP
MPs have backed the Daily Express campaign and urged the Government to ban the deadly "sporting devices" saying there was "no reason" for them to be on sale to the general public.
Last week Rachael Maskell, 45, MP for York Central, penned a letter to the new home secretary Sajid Javid urging tough rules be introduced to stop their easy availability.
Buyers need only be aged 18 or over to get one of the weapons and users only break the law if they use them outside a club or off private land.
However, anyone under 18 with access to a credit or debit card can buy the weapons online and have a crossbow delivered within 24 hours.
.
