The family of murderer John Piccolo have welcomed news there is to be an independent inquiry into the psychiatric care he received.

North Essex Health Authority chiefs have commissioned an independent inquiry into the care Piccolo received before he went on a shooting spree last year.

This follows the completion of Mid Essex Community and Mental Health NHS Trust's own internal review.

Piccolo, 51, of Dallinghoo, Suffolk, shot his son Darren at their home before driving to Ford End where he shot dead Martin Cass, the boyfriend of his ex-lover, at his home in Ford End, before shooting and wounding his former partner Jane Smith.

Following a two-day man-hunt Piccolo shot himself in the head with a hand gun after he was traced and surrounded by armed police. An inquest into Piccolo's death returned a verdict of suicide.

But speaking outside the court following the verdict Mr Piccolo's family hit out at the psychiatric treatment he received.

In the months leading up to the shooting Piccolo had been receiving psychiatric treatment at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, and was due to see consultant psychiatrist Neil Cox on September 11 - the day Piccolo died.

The family's solicitor released the following statement after the family received the news: "John Piccolo was a much-loved father and son and is greatly missed by his family.

"For over 50 years he was fit and healthy, but in the last few months of his life he was receiving psychiatric care.

"Mr Piccolo's family are unhappy with the level of care he received and are pleased to learn of the decision to set up the independent inquiry which they have been pressing for.

"They hope this will lead to a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the care that Mr Piccolo received and that as a result, if appropriate, steps will be taken to try to avoid a similar tragedy occurring in the future."

The inquiry is set to start next month and will be chaired by independent barrister Margaret Bowron. When completed, a full report from the independent inquiry will be made public.

Chief Executive of Mid Essex Community and Mental Health NHS Trust Richard Coleman said: "Having completed an initial review, we believe it is important Mr Piccolo's case is examined thoroughly and objectively by an independent panel."

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