Recommendations could range from keeping the status quo to toughening up the law, it is understood.
Despite being linked to a number of high-profile murders and violent attacks in recent years, crossbows can currently be bought freely on sites including Amazon for as little as £60. More powerful versions with draw weights of up to 185lbs can be bought from archery shops for about £500.
It is not illegal to own one in the UK and a licence or registration is not needed for purchase.
However, pressure for tighter regulation came after the five-day inquest into the death of Shane Gilmer, who was fatally shot with a crossbow by Anthony Lawrence, his neighbour, in 2018.
Prof Paul Marks, the coroner, submitted an official prevention of future deaths report to the Home Secretary in May 2021, in which he said he was concerned there was “no ongoing control, record or licensing requirement for crossbows” unlike firearms and shotguns.
Because of this, he said, “the police have no record of who owns crossbows, how they are stored or the number that are in circulation”.
