The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has decided to investigate Devon and Cornwall Police’s decision-making in relation to Jake Davison’s possession of a shotgun and shotgun certificate.

However, it said it does not plan to investigate the force over its response to the shootings in Plymouth on Thursday evening, in which six people died, including Davison.

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The investigation follows a mandatory referral from the force that contains preliminary information that 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 said on Friday evening: “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, August 12.

"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.