Rotherhithe stalker shot dead by police after crossbow attack

A woman has described the terror of being stalked by her flatmate, who was subsequently shot dead by armed police after attempting to break into her room with a crossbow. Ana Demarr, 28, moved into a shared house in Rotherhithe in March 2022. Less than two years later, her flatmate Bryce Hodgson, 30, who had moved in in August 2022, began a campaign of harassment that culminated in a violent confrontation.

Hodgson first expressed romantic interest in Ms. Demarr in January 2023, which she declined. His behaviour escalated by April 2023, including repeatedly calling her and attempting to open her locked bedroom door while she was inside. Ms. Demarr initially hesitated to report the incidents, fearing a lack of evidence and a potential escalation of Hodgson's actions.

Escalation and arrest

The situation intensified when Hodgson entered Ms. Demarr's room while the door was open, leading her to shut it in his face. Following this, she reported the incidents to the police, who discovered disturbing, unopened text messages from Hodgson on her phone. She was advised to stay elsewhere and ended up sleeping on friends' couches for two months while awaiting his arrest.

Although her landlord had served Hodgson with an eviction notice, he was legally entitled to two months' notice. Ms. Demarr felt unable to accept alternative accommodation offered by estate agents due to its proximity to Hodgson's address. She expressed frustration that the burden of relocating fell upon her, stating it was absurd she could not live safely in her own rented home.

In June 2023, Bryce Hodgson was arrested and pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress. He was sentenced shortly afterwards. Ms. Demarr noted that Hodgson was not imprisoned due to a lack of prior convictions, and she had suggested he needed mental support. She expressed concern that without addressing his mental state, the behaviour would likely continue.

Fatal confrontation

In the early hours of January 30, 2024, Hodgson returned to the shared flat armed with a loaded crossbow, a sword, and a hatchet. After attempting to force entry, he tried to break down Ms. Demarr's locked bedroom door. Armed police had arrived by this time. When Hodgson attempted to cut through the lock of the door Ms. Demarr was behind, he was shot by officers and died at the scene.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigated the shooting and concluded that the use of force was necessary and proportionate. Officers had attempted to negotiate with Hodgson, but he threatened them and indicated an intent to kill. He was shot twice after pointing a crossbow at firearms officers.

The IOPC also reviewed how Hodgson had been managed following his stalking conviction, including his bail conditions and electronic tagging. The investigation found no evidence of safeguarding concerns that should have been raised at that time.

Aftermath and safety concerns

Ms. Demarr considers herself fortunate that she was not physically harmed, acknowledging that many similar situations result in women being killed or seriously injured. The ordeal caused her significant psychological distress and forced her to move out of her home. She has since chosen to live alone, despite the high cost of rent in London, as she no longer feels safe living with strangers.

She expressed anxieties about future living arrangements, even considering women-only housing, but worried about potential risks from visitors. The experience has made her more conscious of potential dangers, leading her to avoid certain places. Ms. Demarr believes her story highlights the importance of supporting friends who report suspicious or concerning behaviour, even if official channels are not always timely or effective.

She stated that the time and emotional energy spent dealing with the stalking incident disrupted her social life and career. Ms. Demarr has documented her experience in a short book titled 'Bywater under the Bridge: Live from London', available on her Substack.