Three-year-old girl is shooting victim

Plymouth incident took just minutes

A three-year-old girl is among the victims of Plymouth gunman Jake Davison, who killed himself after a shooting spree in the Keyham area of the city on Thursday evening. 

Police have now confirmed they were called shortly 6.11pm after shots were reported as being fired in the Biddick Drive area of the city.

Firearms officers attended to find two women and two men, a little girl, as well as the offender dead. An injured woman also died later at Derriford Hospital.

Those shot were a 51-year-old woman who was known to the offender, a three year-old girl and a related 43-year-old man, a 59-year-old man and the woman who died later in hospital who was 66.

The 22-year-old offender who took his own life at the scene is believed to be Jake Davison who lived locally.

Two other people, a 53-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man who were known to each other, were injured at the scene and continue to be treated in hospital. Neither are seriously injured, but chief constable Shaun Sawyer says they, and many others involved in the incident, will be traumatised.

Mr Sawyer said: “This is a truly shocking and tragic incident which has seen five people and an offender lose their life.

“The impact on the local community of Keyham, the city of Plymouth and many communities across the country in which relatives of the deceased live will be felt for many months and years.

“I have already been involved in extensive discussions with Plymouth City Council and local community leaders earlier today and we are committed to playing our part in helping the community deal with the impact a event like this brings.”

Jake Davison was a licensed firearm holder, the circumstances of which will now be subject to full, independent investigation and scrutiny.

Mr Sawyer added: “I am immensely proud of how my officers dealt with the initial call and response to what was described as an extremely distressing scene.

“Both non-armed and armed officers attended within six minutes to what was a very fast moving event.

“We will now take whatever time is necessary to examine some 13 scenes within the immediate area. This may cause some disruption to the local community, for which we apologise, but there must be a forensic analysis to piece together any evidence possible”

The chief constable continued: “This was a deeply traumatic event and I know local people will be worried and concerned.Anybody wanting support can contact the Victim Support’s National Helpline on 0808 1689 111.

“We will continue to talk and listen to our communities and support them in any way we can over the coming days and weeks.”

The Anglican Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt. Rev. Michael Nick McKinnel said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been injured or bereaved by this terrible shooting in Plymouth. It is horrific to think of it happening in our own city.

"St Thomas Church in Keyham and St Marks Church in Ford are open for anyone who would like somewhere to pray and reflect and someone to talk to.

"We stand with the community of Keyham. We are working alongside other local organisations and will continue to offer whatever pastoral and practical support we can."

Devon and Cornwall Police have established a dedicated phone line for anyone with information concerning Thursday’s incident to contact. Any witnesses or anyone with information can ring Plymouth (01752) 487887.