Plymouth gunman had lockdown mental health helpon August 17, 2021 at 5:21 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Jake Davison, who killed five people in Plymouth, used a mental health helpline, the NHS says.

Police officers outside 17 Biddick Drive

A man who shot and killed five people had received support from mental health services during the coronavirus lockdown, it has emerged.

After killing five people in Plymouth, Jake Davison turned his gun on himself.

The NHS said he had been in contact with a telephone helpline service in the city, run by the Livewell Southwest organisation, over the last 18 months.

A spokeswoman said: “When mental health services were approached for help, it was given.”

She added: “The first response service continued throughout lockdown and was strengthened to help people who were struggling.”

He had a shotgun licence returned in July, after it was removed in December 2020 following an allegation of assault.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation.

Police forces in England and Wales are being asked to review their current firearm application processes in the wake of the shootings.

The Home Office is preparing new guidance to ensure higher standards of decision making around applications.

In online videos Davison spoke of being “beaten down” and “defeated by life”.

He said he was socially isolated, struggled to meet women and made references to “incels” – the misogynistic online groups of “involuntary celibate” men, who blame women for their sexual failings and who have been linked to a number of violent acts around the world.

On Reddit he complained about being a “virgin” and stated: “I can’t attract women at all”.

Biddick Drive sign with flowers underneath

In the attack, Davison shot his mother first before killing Sophie and her father.

He then killed Mr Washington in a nearby park before shooting Ms Shepherd, who was taken to Derriford Hospital where she died.

He also shot and wounded a 33-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman, who were taken to hospital, before turning the gun on himself.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Euro 2022: Who made your England semi-final team to face Sweden?on July 26, 2022 at 5:56 am

Hosts England are into the semi-finals of the Euros, but who made your XI to face Sweden?Hosts England are into the semi-finals of the...

Bloody Sunday: Events to commemorate 50th anniversaryon January 30, 2022 at 7:31 am

Thirteen people were killed when British soldiers opened fire on a civil rights march in Londonderry.

Fifa: EA Sports to stop making popular video gameon May 10, 2022 at 4:00 pm

Electronic Arts have been publishing the Fifa video game, one of gaming's biggest brands, since 1993.Image source, EA SportVideo games publisher Electronic Arts says...

Mayday: How the White Helmets and James Le Mesurier got pulled into a deadly battle for truthon February 27, 2021 at 12:52 am

James Le Mesurier fell to his death in Istanbul in 2019 with a sense that Syrian and Russian disinformation had destroyed his reputation.By the...

Tyson Fury: Frank Warren says Daniel Kinahan has ‘no involvement’ with Dillian Whyte fighton April 18, 2022 at 5:42 pm

Tyson Fury's promoter Frank Warren says Daniel Kinahan has "no involvement" with the Dillian Whyte fight this Saturday at Wembley.