Police shot man had 'blanks gun'

David Sycamore was shot dead on the steps of Guildford Cathedral

A 39-year-old man shot dead by police outside Guildford Cathedral was carrying a gun that fired blanks, according to firearms experts.

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 he was carrying a blank firing 8mm self-loading pistol.

Mr Sycamore died from a gunshot wound to the chest during the incident.

Four firearms officers have been taken off operation duties but not suspended, following the shooting at about 1500 GMT on Sunday.

A spokesman for the IPCC said: "An initial examination of the gun, by scientists who attended the scene, indicates that it was a blank firing 8mm self-loading pistol, the design of which is based on the Glock.

"These weapons can be converted to fire live ammunition although it is not believed this one had been. The pistol was loaded with blank ammunition.

He added: "There is nothing at this stage to suggest that this gun had been fired during the incident."

'For solace'

The area was reopened to the public on Monday evening after forensic officers gathered evidence at the scene.

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

Following the incident Mr Sycamore's family said he would visit the cathedral, for "solace".

They said his "intentions were never to harm anybody" and that he was a "loving and caring" young man.

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

The IPCC said it would continue its investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the "interaction between the officers and Mr Sycamore".

It also appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

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