The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

It is clear from the evidence presented by firearms licensing staff that Durham police must bear responsibility for the fact that Michael Atherton had access to guns. The police had the legal power and should have acted to permanently remove those guns on reports of Atherton’s violence, alcohol abuse and threats of suicide. There were several clear opportunities for this tragedy to have been prevented. Durham police have broken the bond of trust which exists between the public and the police in the administration of the UK’s firearms law.

After this tragedy we have to ask ourselves if 43 different police forces operating different systems with no common training or standards and varying interpretations of government guidance is the right way to protect public safety and ensure efficient licensing.