The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, is urging people in the South West to take part in a new survey on potential changes to firearms licensing in England and Wales.

It follows the shootings in Keyham, Plymouth in August.

Alison Hernandez said: "No one in Devon and Cornwall will ever forget the tragic events of August 12 in Plymouth, least of all the friends and families of those who lost their lives.

"An inquiry has been launched into the circumstances of the incident and the results of this will be released in due course.

"The Home Office is currently reviewing arrangements for the licensing of guns and will shortly be introducing new statutory guidance to be followed by all police forces – and we want to know what people think about the existing rules.

"We want to hear all from sides including people who are, or have previously been, a registered firearms licence or shotgun certificate holder."

Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Marc Jones said that there are more than half a million licence holders in England and Wales who legally own nearly two million firearms.

The survey asks the public how much police should scrutinise social media posts and medical records when granting or renewing a licence.

You can access the survey here. It will stay open until Wednesday 20 October.

—————

For daily updates on what's happening in Sidmouth, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also sign up to our free weekly newsletter featuring exclusive articles for subscribers - just type your email into the box below.