Six dead after shooting in Plymouth

Five people and the shooter are dead after tragic incident in Plymouth.

UPDATE: Devon and Cornwall Police have released a statement following on from the shooting last night in Keyham, Plymouth. 

Six people left dead including suspect

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of a shooting in Keyham, Plymouth on Thursday evening which has left six people dead.

Police were called shortly 6.11pm on Thursday after shots were reported as being fired in the Biddick Drive area of the city.

Firearms officers attended and two women and two men as well as the offender were all found deceased in the area.

The offender was reported deceased at 6.23pm.

An injured woman also died later at Derriford Hospital.

Those deceased 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 a 66-year-old woman who died later in hospital.

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

Devon & Cornwall Chief Constable Shaun 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.
Chief Constable 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”

Chief Constable Sawyer said: “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.”

Devon & 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 contact 01752 487887.

South Hams District Council chairman sent his condolences to those involved. Cllr Richard Foss, Chairman of South Hams District Council sent a message to Plymouth: “On behalf of everyone at South Hams District Council, I would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those people caught up in the tragic events in Plymouth yesterday. Everyone in South Hams is shocked and today the city of Plymouth is in our thoughts and prayers as we all come to terms with what has happened.”

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South Western Ambulance Service tweeted about being called to an incident involving "Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), multiple ambulances, air ambulances, multiple doctors and senior paramedics". 

We were called at 18:12 to an ongoing incident in Plymouth.

We responded to the incident with a significant number of resources, including Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), multiple ambulances, air ambulances, multiple doctors and senior paramedics.

1/2 pic.twitter.com/17xZs7LsTm

— South Western Ambulance Service (@swasFT) August 12, 2021

Johnny Mercer MP also tweeted, encouraging people to obey police and not spread rumours on social media.

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. I will post news when I have it.

— Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) August 12, 2021

He later tweeted an update: 

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.

— Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) August 12, 2021

Plymouth's other MP, Luke Pollard, tweeted: 

Update: awaiting confirmation of number of victims but this looks like a very grim day for our city and our community.

Please can I ask that you think of the families and our community and not share any images or videos of any of the victims. #keyham

— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) August 12, 2021

This falls out of our area, but will likely affect many people in the South Hams. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of all those involved. 

Follow legitimate news sources for updated information. 

Image: The rooftops of Keyham, Plymouth, by Roger Cornfoot