Police force halts guns training

12 April 2012

A police force said it had halted some firearms training following the death of one of its officers.

Greater Manchester Police constable Ian Terry, 32, was killed during a role-play exercise in Manchester three days ago.

A spokeswoman for the force said the use of the same rounds as those used in the training exercise Pc Terry took part in would be stopped.

She said: "GMP has suspended training involving the use of Round Irritant Personnel (RIP) rounds pending the findings of the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

"Following the sad death of Pc Ian Terry, Greater Manchester Police has seen it to be appropriate to temporarily suspend some firearms training.

"This decision will be reviewed in the coming days to ensure there is minimal impact on the operational training needs of the force."

Reports said Pc Terry had come in to work on his day off to take part in the exercise.

Acting Chief Constable Dave Whatton from Greater Manchester Police paid tribute to Pc Terry, from Burnley, Lancashire. He said he was not aware of anything that the officer did that could be seen to have contributed to his death.

Mr Whatton said: "The IPCC is carrying out a detailed, professional and wholly independent investigation, and I would in no way wish to prejudge the outcome.

"What I can say is that at this moment in time there is nothing from this incident that would undermine Ian's deserved reputation for professionalism, competency and credibility as a specialist firearms officer."

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