Plymouth shooting: Community marks 12 months since tragedy

The wider community will be able to pay their respects and light candles near Smeaton's Tower on Plymouth Hoe

A civic ceremony has been held to mark the 12-month anniversary of a shooting in which five people were killed.

Maxine Davison, 51, Stephen Washington, 59, Kate Shepherd, 66, Lee Martyn, 43, and three-year-old Sophie Martyn were all killed by Jake Davison in Keyham, Plymouth, on 12 August 2021.

The Reverend Joe Dent, from St Andrew's Church, said there had been a "real sense of shock and horror and grief".

"A year on that sense of grief and loss is still just as real," he added.

Ahead of the ceremony, he said: "I know that there are various events taking part in the city, but hopefully this service will be a time when those who have been most deeply affected - either families who have been bereaved or those who survived the horrific events or those who responded to it - can come together and find a sense of ability to express their sadness and respect."

Lee Martyn and his daughter Sophie were killed as they walked their pet dog

During Friday's ceremony, he said: "We have come together to remember our loved ones, to express our grief, to pray for those whose homes have been darkened by loss, and those whose lives have been affected by injury and trauma."

Those present included Shaun Sawyer, Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and local MP Luke Pollard.

The Lord Mayor, councillor Sue Dann, told the congregation: "Today is a time to think about those families who have lost the most and how their lives have been broken in ways they could never have foreseen and certainly never have chosen.

The Reverend Joe Dent addressed those gathered at St Andrew's Church

"For them time will probably never heal the wounds and the pain, which we pray might one day ease.

"The city will always remember that shocking day as it continues to offer help to those who live in and around Keyham."

As well as the ceremony at the church, a vigil for the community will be held later in North Down Crescent Park in Keyham.

Candles have been lit at Smeaton's Tower in Plymouth in a gathering of the wider city community

The wider community paid their respects and lit candles near Smeaton's Tower.

Ahead of the anniversary, the family of one of the victims, Stephen Washington, paid tribute to the grandfather.

The family said they were "still struggling to come to terms with the tragic events of that fateful day".

Two people were also injured in the attack - the worst mass shooting in Britain since 2010 - and Davison took his own life.

Stephen Washington's family said his grandchildren missed him "dreadfully"

Trained staff, including members of Victim Support, will be present at a number of community venues on Friday and Saturday to offer support to anyone who needs it.

These venues will be listed on the Plymouth Together website.

Plymouth City Council leader Richard Bingley said the anniversary would be "a very difficult time for many".

He said: "Our thoughts are with the families, the survivors and the communities of Keyham, Ford and the surrounding areas.

"The anniversary will be a time for people to come together, or just reflect quietly, and remember loved ones following this devastating event."

From Friday to Sunday artwork designed by young people in Keyham will be projected on to Smeaton's Tower and Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Artwork designed by children from the city will be projected on to Smeaton's Tower and Theatre Royal Plymouth

The Reverend Jon Devereux, vicar at St Mark's Church in Ford, said since the mass shooting the community had pulled together and shown "a fresh sense of resolve".

"We were already in a very close-knit community, after this there seemed to be a fresh sense of resolve to come together as a community to support one another, to check in on each other, and to make sure people were being looked after," he added.

Plymouth City Council said a consultation regarding a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives was ongoing with the families, the survivors and the community.

Plymouth Argyle Football Club also paid tribute and said on the Devonport end at Home Park would be lit up green on Friday evening, and members of the community could pay their respects.

Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].