We need reforms on buying firearms, Cooper is warned

A “MAJOR system failure” in gun laws has been exposed by the way Nicholas Prosper was able to buy a shotgun using a fake licence, the Home Secretary has been told.

- By Margaret Davis

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard wrote to Yvette Cooper calling for urgent reform after a court heard the teenager bought a shotgun and 100 cartridges from a legitimate online seller.

Prosper, who learned enough about clay pigeon shooting to convince the vendor he had a real interest in the sport, met him in a car park near the flat he shared with his family in Luton. He showed the seller his fake shotgun licence and handed over £650 for the weapon and ammunition.

Less than 24 hours later he had used it to murder his mother, brother and sister. He was also planning on using it in a school shooting. Mr Tizard said:

"This case has exposed a major system failure and some serious shortcomings in the law. I believe that new legislation is needed to ensure public safety and restore confidence in firearms licensing policy and process when firearms are sold or exchanged.