"Society is becoming more violent" says police commissioner

Local reaction to Plymouth tragedy

Local politicians have been reacting to news of the mass shooting in the city which left six people dead and others injured - with police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez saying that society is getting more violent.

The man suspected of carrying out the attack in the Keyham area has been named locally as Jake Davison. He is understood to have killed himself at the end of his shooting spree.

Three females, one of whom is believed to be a little girl, and two males were shot on Thursday evening before the offender turned the gun on himself. 

The incident is the worst mass shooting in Britain since 2010. Police say it is not terror-related.  

As news began to emerge early on Thursday evening, MP Johnny Mercer (Conservative, Plymouth Moor View) tweeted: “I am aware of a serious and tragic incident unfolding in Plymouth. Please obey all instructions from the Police and do not post rumour or speculation on social media.”

Speculation soon increased as to the details and motivation of the shooting and concerns were raised about images circulating on social media.  

Mr Mercer later said: “The incident is not terror-related, and neither is the suspect on the run in Plymouth. Remain calm. It is for the police to confirm further details. Do not repost chatter or gossip; work with them. We have the best cops in the land.” 

As more information emerged local representatives gave more details about the events of the evening.  

MP Luke Pollard (Labour, Plymouth Sutton & Devonport) said: “Police have confirmed that six people have died in the shooting in #keyham in #plymouth. More people are being treated for their injuries in hospital. Just so unspeakably awful. My condolences and thoughts are with the families.”

And as it was confirmed that a child was among the victims, on Friday morning Mr Pollard added: “People are waking up to the grim news that five people and the shooter have died in the #keyham shooting. Hearing that one of the dead is a small child is utterly heartbreaking.”

A local primary school and several local churches were opened for the community to come together.  

Cllr Bill Stevens (Labour, Devonport), whose ward includes the Keyham area, said: “I have the privilege of representing #Keyham. Today people are in shock, but I know the community will rally round as it always does.

“Our thoughts go to those who've lost loved ones and we will never forget.

The massive police operation by Devon and Cornwall Police was still continuing on Friday when police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez visited the area. She said: "This is unprecdented in Devon and Cornwall. As a society we are getting more violent and we need to really curb what's going on in our communities and better help people who need it.

"I want to reassure people right now that there is no other suspect that the police are looking for and we do believe the suspect to be dead and we will confirm later how that happened."

As more details emerged, Councillor Nick Kelly (Conservative, Compton Ward) leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “I was shocked and saddened about last night’s awful events and like everyone else in Plymouth struggled to take in how this has happened in a city such as ours.

“Today our city is mourning and my heart goes out to all those who are directly affected by this incident. While we do not yet have all the details, we know that this is a harrowing tragedy that will have an impact not just on the victims’ families, but people living in this neighbourhood and the wider city.

“I would like to pay special tribute to all our city’s emergency services, who responded to swiftly and professionally.

“We are waiting for more detail from the police and so I do not wish to speculate on events, but know this - we are on hand to offer support.”

Plymouth’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Terri Beer (Conservative, Plympton Erle) expressed her shock and sadness after the shooting.  

“Like everyone else in Plymouth, I am struggling to come to terms with the shocking and upsetting events that happened last night in our city,” she said. 

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost loved ones last night and we mourn for your devastating loss.

“I would also like to give special thanks to our emergency services for their quick response to this incident.”