THE Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has referred its investigation into Surrey Police’s decision to return firearms to dog breeder John Lowe just months before a double murder at his farm in Tilford to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Following the fatal shootings of Christine Lee and her daughter Lucy Lee by Lowe in February 2014 it was established Surrey Police had seized licensed firearms from the dog breeder following an allegation that he had made threats to use them in March 2013.

The allegations were later withdrawn and subsequently in July 2013 a decision was taken to return the firearms to him. In February 2014, Lowe shot and killed Christine and Lucy with a shotgun as they tried to make their escape from his farm house.

During the course of the IPCC investigation three members of Surrey Police civilian staff were served gross misconduct notices. They were also interviewed under criminal caution in respect of the potential offence of Misconduct in Public Office.

During the course of the investigation one individual retired.

Having reviewed the investigation report Commissioner Jennifer Izekor has referred the two serving staff members to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider potential charges.

The former member of staff has not been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, and nor has it been recommended he face a gross misconduct hearing.