THE police watchdog has released details of the terms of reference for its investigation into firearm licensing issues following the shootings by Michael Atherton on New Year’s Day.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) mounted the probe after the bodies of Susan McGoldrick, 47, Alison Turnbull, 44, Tanya Turnbull, 24 and the 42-year-old taxi driver were found inside a house in Horden, near Peterlee, County Durham.

The IPCC confirmed last night its investigation is looking at all aspects of firearms licensing matters, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the granting of shotgun and firearms licences to Mr Atherton following his initial applications in 2007 and 2008.

It is also looking at any subsequent reviews of Atherton’s licences by Durham Constabulary and examining information available to Durham Constabulary – with particular regard to Atherton’s background, including previous reports of domestic incidents.

It will also probe the decision to return shotguns and firearms to Atherton following their temporary removal in 2008.

IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: “Horden is a very closeknit community and I know the events shocked everyone there as well, as the rest of the country. I appreciate what a difficult time this is for families and friends.

“It is my duty to ensure our independent investigation looks at all aspects of the granting of Mr Atherton’s firearms licences in 2007 and 2008.

“Further, we need to be confident sufficient checks were carried out by police after Mr Atherton’s weapons were removed and subsequently returned to him following a disturbance at his home address in September 2008.

He added a number of questions about the regulation of firearms licences had again been raised.

The IPCC has conducted a number of previous investigations into firearms licensing issues with lessons learnt.

Mr Long said: “In addition to providing independent scrutiny into this incident, I will be seeking to make further recommendations, if appropriate, for consideration when police in future deal with firearms licensing applications.”