THE Independent Police Complaints Commission today said it has launched an investigation into firearms licensing matters after the shootings by Michael Atherton on New Year's Day.

IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: "At this tragic time our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of those who died in Horden on Sunday evening.

"We have launched an independent investigation and are committed to fully examining the issues around the granting of Mr Atherton’s firearms licence and subsequent renewals.

"I have determined that an independent investigation should be undertaken examining police involvement in the grant of a firearms licence to Mr Atherton. My condolences go out to the families of those who died, their friends and the wider community of Horden.”

It emerged yesterday that Atherton had his weapons removed by Durham Police in 2008 after concerns were raised over alleged threats he had made to harm himself.

However he later successfully applied to have the weapons returned to him.