Plymouth Shooting: Man Who Killed Five People Was A Babcock Apprentice 

A gunman who killed five people, including his mother and a three-year-old girl, before taking his own life, was an apprentice at Babcock.

Jake Davison, 22, had been an apprentice at the aerospace, defence and nuclear engineering services company since August 2020.

Babcock's chief executive David Lockwood said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by what had happened on Thursday evening.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and families of those involved in this tragedy," he said.

"We stand with the city at this difficult time.

"As one of the largest employers in Plymouth, we are providing support and help for any of our colleagues who feel affected by this incident."

Davison shot and killed his 51-year-old mother Maxine Davison, also known as Maxine Chapman, at a house in Biddick Drive, in the Keyham area of Plymouth, Devon, on Thursday evening.

He then went outside, fatally shooting the three-year-old girl, Sophie Martyn, and her father, Lee Martyn, aged 43.

Davison moved along Biddick Drive, where he shot at two residents – a man aged 33 and a 53-year-old woman – who received significant injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

He killed Stephen Washington, 59, in a nearby park, before shooting Kate Shepherd, 66, on Henderson Place. She later died at Derriford Hospital.

Eye-witnesses have told police how Davison then turned the gun on himself.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a mandatory referral had been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) by the force.

"Police continue to investigate 13 scenes within the cordon in Keyham which is expected to remain in place throughout much of the weekend," the force spokesman said.

"Anyone feeling vulnerable or wanting support can contact the Victim Support’s National Helpline on 0808 1689 111.

"Anyone with specific information regarding this incident can contact 01752 487880."