Britain’s Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is to investigate Devon and Cornwall Police’s decision-making in relation to a shotgun and shotgun certificate held by Jake Davison.

Davison shot five people in Plymouth on Thursday before turning his gun on himself.

The IPOC investigation follows a mandatory referral from the force. According to the office, the referral contains preliminary information that Davison’s shotgun certificate and a shotgun were returned to him in early July this year.

They had been removed from him by police in December 2020, after an allegation of assault in September 2020.

It has not yet been established, however, whether the shotgun returned to Davison was used in Thursday’s shootings.

Licensing history

“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,” said David Ford (IOPC regional director).

“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,” he added.

The IOPC probe will also look at whether the force had any information on Davison’s mental health and, if so, if this information was appropriately considered.

It will not investigate the response of the Devon and Cornwall Police response to the shootings.