Top cop says investigations into Plymouth shooting could take many months
More information has been revealed about the gunman's firearm and license at a police briefing
Last updated 22nd Aug 2021
Devon and Cornwall's top cop says the investigation surrounding the mass shooting in Plymouth could take many months.
Five people were killed when 22-year-old local Jake Davison opened fire in Keyham, including a three-year-old girl.
The watchdog has confirmed police seized a shotgun and license from Davison back in December, following an allegation of assault.
They were returned in July, just weeks before the deadly attack.
Three separate reviews are being carried out, including on by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer held a briefing on Friday (20th August), during which he said answers will take time.
"Desire to find out more will never be greater than that of the families and being patient is a really hard thing to do but the best knowledge will come from being patient.
"Everybody wants answers, but no-one wants an answer that's not based on fact and understanding".
Chief Constable Sawyer went on to praise the response from the community of Keyham and the wider city.
"I think something like this still feels incredibly local and I think the dignity showed by that local community was actually replicated by the city.
"It's almost like the steel rod of the city is it's dignity and compassion but also, we're not going to be defined by this".
What do we know about Jake Davison's shotgun and license?
It has emerged police did not seize Plymouth gunman Jake Davison’s shotgun and licence after he admitted assaulting two youths in a park.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the 22-year-old’s shotgun and licence were only seized in December last year when concerns were raised directly with Devon and Cornwall Police.
Davison had been taking part in a voluntary intervention programme – an alternative to being charged or cautioned – after admitting assaulting two youths in a park in Plymouth last September.
The IOPC said Devon and Cornwall Police had offered the apprentice crane operator a place on its Pathfinder scheme.
At the end of November last year, a scheme worker raised concerns with the force’s firearms licensing department about Davison’s possession of a shotgun. The shotgun and certificate were seized by police on December 7th.
Following his completion of the Pathfinder scheme in March 2021 and a subsequent review by the firearms licensing department, the shotgun and certificate were returned to Davison on July 9th.
An IOPC spokesman said: “The IOPC is investigating 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.
“We are also examining any sharing of information between the part of the force aware Mr Davison had been identified as a suspect for assault and the relevant department responsible for firearms licensing.
“The investigation will consider what background and suitability checks were made by the police, including from open source material, and whether the force had any information, from Mr Davison’s GP and any other medical or mental health services he may have engaged with, concerning his state of mind.
“It will also look at the force decision to divert Mr Davison from prosecution for the assaults last year".
Other reviews are being carried out alongside the IOPC investigation, including a peer review involving Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez.