AN 18-month probe by the Independent Police Complaints Commission found two staff members of Surrey Police’s firearms licensing team had “cases to answer” after the shootings of a mother and daughter by Tilford dog breeder John Lowe.

Surrey Police “failed to fully consider and properly assess” information concerning Lowe before returning his firearms seven months before the shootings in February 2014. the IPCC report published on Wednesday revealed.

One of the guns was subsequently used in the murder of Christine and Lucy Lee at Keepers Cottage Stud, in Waverley Lane.

One Surrey Police staff member was dismissed following a hearing, while the second retired before a hearing was held.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has ruled neither will face criminal charges.

IPCC associate commission Tom Milsom, said: “Our investigation paints a deeply concerning portrait of how Surrey Police’s firearms licensing team operated at that time.

“We found a unit which lacked the necessary training and processes to manage such a serious responsibility, staffed by individuals who were failing to undertake their duties with rigour and due consideration.

“The licensing of firearms is a responsibility with obvious ramifications if it is not done properly. Our recommendations will contribute to a significantly improved function in Surrey, and we hope forces across the country will use this as a catalyst for ensuring their licensing teams are working as effectively as necessary.”

Lowe, now 84, was jailed for life in October 2014 for the murders of Christine and Lucy Lee, eight months after shooting the two women with a shotgun as they tried to flee his farm house.