Tributes for man shot by police

The cathedral was being reopened to staff and the public on Monday evening

A 39-year-old man shot dead by police outside Guildford Cathedral in Surrey has been described as a "loving and caring" young man by his family.

David Sycamore, who suffered from manic depression, was shot by officers who found him on the cathedral steps after reports of an armed man in the area.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said Mr Sycamore died from a gunshot wound to his chest.

Four firearms officers have been taken off operation duties but not suspended.

A weapon was recovered at the scene after the shooting, which happened at about 1500 GMT on Sunday, and has been sent for ballistic testing.

Forensic officers have been gathering evidence at the scene throughout Monday but the area was being reopened to the public during the evening.

IPCC investigators were sent to the scene to provide an assessment following a referral of the shooting by Surrey Police.

The investigators interviewed witnesses and studied footage seized from the police helicopter.

'Inner peace'

Mr Sycamore's family issued a statement which revealed he would visit the cathedral, which was less than two miles from his home, for "solace".

"In his short life David has suffered with manic depression which we believe he coped with, with extreme difficulty at times," they said.

"David found solace in the grounds of the cathedral and said it brought him inner peace and closer to God.

"Unfortunately that day he did not find inner peace.

"His intentions were never to harm anybody. He would never do this. But sadly the only loss was David who will be sorely missed."

A post mortem examination concluded that Mr Sycamore died from a gunshot wound to his chest. He also received a second gunshot wound to his right arm.

'Terrible situation'

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the family agreed the IPCC could confirm his name.

IPCC commissioner for the South East, Mike Franklin, said: "This is a terrible situation and my thoughts are with this man's family today.

"But I also think it is important to point out how difficult these situations are for everyone involved.

"It is in everybody's interest for us to find out exactly what happened as quickly as possible and I would ask anybody who was in the grounds of Guildford Cathedral at around 3pm yesterday to contact us."

An Advent carol service due to have been held on Sunday evening was cancelled and will be held next Sunday.