Candlelit vigil and investigation over shotgun license following Plymouth shooting
The police watchdog is investigating Devon & Cornwall Police in relation to the killer's possession of a shotgun and certificate
Last updated 14th Aug 2021
A tearful, candlelit vigil has been held for the victims of the mass shooting in Plymouth.
Hundreds gathered in the city on Friday night (14th August) in a show of solidarity.
Jake Davison killed five people in the Keyham area on Thursday, including his mum, a three year old girl and her father.
The 22-year-old, who lived locally, then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.
The police watchdog is to investigate Devon and Cornwall Police over Davison's possession of a shotgun and shotgun certificate.
Tearful tributes to shooting victims at candlelit vigil
Hundreds of people placed flowers and candles in Plymouth's North Down Crescent Park on Friday evening.
The mood at the event, held in solidarity for the victims and their families, was sombre and tearful.
One woman said: "I don't know any of them personally but it's affected me quite deeply today; the poor little three year old who passed away".
Another man added: "Obviously here's a real sense of grief and sadness in the air but there is a real sense of togetherness and solidarity that is growing within the community".
Organiser Kevin Sproston said: "The Keyam community are grieving. In fact, there's a lot of love in this place. The community spirit here has always been really, really strong. Everyone's coming out here. And even people who can't make it are actually putting candles out on their doorsteps".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also paid tribute to those who died, saying: "My thoughts are very much with the families of all those who tragically lost their lives in this absolutely appalling incident. And I would just pay tribute to the police and emergency services for the speed and prominence with which they handled it".
Investigation into shotgun and firearms certificate
An investigation has been launched into Plymouth gunman Jake Davison’s possession of a shotgun and a firearms licence, which were returned to him in July after being removed at the end of last year.
Davison, 22, killed his mother before going on to shoot dead four more people, including a three-year-old girl.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced on Friday it will investigate Devon and Cornwall Police’s decision-making in relation to Davison’s possession of the weapon and certificate.
A spokesperson for the IOPC said: "The Independent Office for Police Conduct has decided to investigate Devon and Cornwall Police’s decision-making in relation to Jake Davison’s possession of a shotgun and shotgun certificate.
"The investigation follows a mandatory referral from the force which contains preliminary information that Mr Davison’s shotgun certificate and a shotgun were returned to him in early July this year. The certificate and shotgun had been removed from Mr Davison by police in December 2020 following an allegation of assault in September 2020".
IOPC regional director David Ford added: "We can confirm that this morning we received a mandatory referral from Devon and Cornwall Police relating to yesterday’s tragic events in Plymouth in which six people lost their lives. Our thoughts remain with all of the many people who will be severely affected. The referral related to yesterday’s events as well as police contact with Jake Davison prior to the incident, including the force’s role and actions regarding firearms licensing.
“After assessment of the referral we have determined we will carry out an independent investigation focusing on Jake Davison’s firearms licensing history and its impact on the tragic events of Thursday 12 August. We will examine what police actions were taken and when, the rationale behind police decision-making, and whether relevant law, policy and procedures were followed concerning Mr Davison’s possession of a shotgun. The investigation will also consider whether the force had any information concerning Mr Davison’s mental health and if so, if this information was appropriately considered.
“It appears the force’s response to reports of the shootings was very prompt and having reviewed information currently available, we are not intending to investigate the Devon and Cornwall Police response to the shootings. This will be kept under review as more information emerges. However, the investigation will explore whether there was any causal link between the arrival of police and Mr Davison apparently shooting himself.
"It has not yet been established whether the shotgun returned to Mr Davison was used in yesterday’s shootings".
Devon and Cornwall Police added: "As previously said by Devon & Cornwall Police, the firearm believed to have been used during the incident was legally held by the offender.
"The circumstances surrounding that have now been subject to a mandatory referral to the IOPC by Devon & Cornwall Police".
Police continue to investigate 13 scenes within the cordon in Keyham which is expected to remain in place throughout much of the weekend.
Anyone feeling vulnerable or wanting support can contact the Victim Support’s National Helpline on 0808 1689 111.
Anyone with specific information regarding this incident can contact 01752 487880.