Duggan marksman could be back on duty 'within weeks'

Doubts have been cast on the account of the circumstances leading up to Mark Duggan's death

The police marksman who killed Mark Duggan could be back on duty within weeks after an inquest jury found that the shooting was lawful.

Scotland Yard has confirmed that the "post-incident support programme" has begun for the officer, identified only as V53, involving medical tests and training.

A spokesman said: "Following the jury's finding of lawful killing in the Mark Duggan inquest, the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) will now start the post- incident support programme for the firearms officers involved.

"This process includes medical tests, refresher training and an assessment of the individual officer's welfare. It is only after this process has been completed, which can take a number of weeks, that officers are eligible to return to carrying a firearm or commanding an armed operation if they choose to do so.

"Any suggestion the officers will immediately be deployed with firearms is premature. This process applies equally to those officers who carry a firearm or who are deployed to command armed operations."

The Duggan family, who reacted furiously to the lawful killing inquest finding last week, have been told about the move.