Plymouth shooting: Review of Devon and Cornwall Police firearms procedure

A review into how Devon and Cornwall Police handles firearms licences is to be carried out following the UK's worst mass shooting since 2010.

Five people were killed by Jake Davison during the 12-minute attack in Plymouth on Thursday.

The region's police and crime commissioner said the review would check the force was "following national guidance correctly".

The inquiry will be overseen by the National Police Chiefs Council.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, announced on Wednesday she was assisting the chief constable to organise the "fast review" into the force's procedures.

Davison's gun and certificate had been seized in December 2020 following an assault allegation the previous September.

Both were returned to him in July.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is already investigating a decision to return Davison's licence.

Ms Hernandez said: "We must not jump to conclusions about the reasons for these heinous crimes but await the Independent Office of Police Conduct's investigation, a National Police Chiefs Council-led inquiry into the police's procedures and the coroner's report as we seek to fully understand what, if any, changes may need to be made into firearms licensing procedures.

"We will also be working with police and crime commissioners from around the country to ensure that if there are lessons to be learned about licensing procedures in England and Wales these will be shared with colleagues from around the country."

Davison, 22, killed Maxine Davison, 51, Stephen Washington, 59, Kate Shepherd, 66, Lee Martyn, 43, and three-year-old Sophie Martyn, before turning the gun on himself.

Police forces across England and Wales have been asked by the government to review their current firearms processes.

The Home Secretary has also announced doctors will be required to medically assess anyone applying for a licence.

In a written statement to parliament Priti Patel said under the new measures doctors would have to confirm to police whether an applicant had any "relevant medical conditions", including an assessment of their mental health.

It was previously revealed Davison had received mental health support during the coronavirus lockdown.

Ms Patel said the statutory guidance would be published in the coming weeks and be kept under review.

An inquiry by Plymouth's coroner will also be held into the deaths.

Earlier in Plymouth a church service was held to remember the five victims.

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