Police to review firearms practices in light of Plymouth shooting
Questions remain over why Jake Davison, who killed five people on Thursday (12 August), had a shotgun licence
Last updated 16th Aug 2021
Applicants for permission to own a firearm or shotgun will be subject to social media checks in the wake of the Plymouth mass shooting, the Government has announced.
Questions are continuing to mount over how Keyham gunman Jake Davison, 22, obtained a firearms licence and carried out his spree, killing five people before turning the gun on himself.
A minute's silence will be held in the city on Monday as the community and civic leaders unite to mourn and reflect on last week's devastating events.
It comes after the family of victim Stephen Washington, 59, said their world "has been turned upside down in the blink of an eye".
The Government said on Sunday that it was preparing statutory guidance to help ensure higher standards of decision-making for police firearms licensing applications.
This will cover social media checks of those applying for permission to own a firearm or shotgun, according to the Home Office.
All police forces in England and Wales are being asked to review their current firearm application processes, as well as assess whether they need to revisit any existing licences.
An investigation is already under way by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into Davison's possession of a shotgun and a firearms licence.
It will look at why Devon and Cornwall Police returned Davison's gun and firearms permit to him last month, after it was removed following an allegation of assault in September last year.
The city will fall silent at 11.00am on Monday as a sign of respect, while another candlelit vigil is due to take place on the Jubilee Green in Saltash at 8.45pm in honour of the five victims.