Statement from family of David Sycamore

The family of David Sycamore, who was shot dead by police in Guildford, has asked the IPCC to issue the following statement on their behalf:

“It is with much sadness that we are writing this statement to you. This has been a great shock to our family and because of this we would like to be left in peace to come to terms with our loss which has happened to such a loving and caring young man. In his short life David has suffered with manic depression which we believe he coped with, with extreme difficulty at times.

“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.”

At approximately 3pm on Sunday 30 November 2008, Surrey Police were called to Guildford Cathedral following reports that a man with a gun was in the area.  Officers went to the scene and found David on the steps of the cathedral. Police officers fired shots at him.  Paramedics were called to the scene and administered CPR but David died at the scene.

A post mortem has taken place this afternoon and concluded that David died as a result of a gunshot wound to his chest. He also received a second gunshot wound to his right arm.

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

The scene is due to be re-opened this evening.

Formal identification has not yet taken place but David’s family have agreed that the IPCC can confirm his name.

Anybody who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the Independent Police Complaints Commission on 0800 096 9071 or email sycamore@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk.

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For more information please contact Trish Keville, IPCC Regional Press Officer on 0207 166 3130 or, out of hours, call 07717 851 157.