THE police watchdog has confirmed it is to open an independent investigation into firearm licensing matters following the shootings by Michael Atherton on New Year’s Day.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has mounted the probe after four bodies were found inside a house in Horden, near Peterlee, east Durham.

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.

“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 has emerged that Atherton had his weapons removed by Durham Police after concerns were raised over alleged threats he had made to harm himself on September 10, 2008.

Atherton, who was described as agitated at the time, was arrested for a breach of the peace.

The weapons were removed from his house as a precaution, but he applied to get them back and they were returned to him on November 18, 2008.

Durham Police has said the decision to return the weapons followed national procedure.

A force spokesman said: “It took a matter of weeks for the matter to be reviewed.

“In the meantime Mr Atherton had written twice to get his guns back. On both occasions police declined, because they were still investigating the incident.

“After the all circumstances were reviewed a recommendation was made by a manager in firearms unit that there were no grounds for his licence to be revoked.”

This decision was approved and signed off by a senior officer of the rank of superintendent.

Atherton’s guns were returned to him along with a formal warning letter that his behaviour was going to be monitored and if there were further incidents it might lead to his licence being revoked.

Durham Police said it had voluntarily referred the case to the IPCC.

The man leading the investigation Detective Superintendent Paul Goundry said: “To date an investigation has found no evidence of Michael suffering from any form of mental illness or depression.”

Meanwhile, County Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle will open the inquest into the deaths of all four victims at the Chesterle- Street Magistrates’ Court at 10am today Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Durham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.