The family of murderer John Piccolo will know by the end of the month whether a full independent inquiry into the psychiatric treatment he received for depression will take place.

An inquest into the Piccolo's death this week heard how the gunman shot himself in the head after being surrounded by police. A verdict of suicide was recorded.

But following the inquest, Piccolo's son John and daughter Lisa criticised Mid Essex Community and Mental Health NHS Trust, and said they would press for an independent inquiry into the treatment of their father.

Yesterday a spokeswoman from Mid Essex Community and Mental Health NHS Trust issued a joint statement on behalf of themselves and the North Essex Health Authority (NEHA).

"The trust has recently concluded its internal inquiry and presented its report to the Trust Board and North Essex Health Authority.

"The trust has been in ongoing contact with the family of Mr Piccolo and the content of the trust's report will be shared with them in the near future.

"On the basis of the report the Health Authority will decide, at the end of this month, whether to establish a wholly independent inquiry in line with NHS guidelines and procedures."

Piccolo, of Dallinghoo, Suffolk, was wanted for shooting his ex-lover Jane Smith, 36, and her current boyfriend Martyn Cass, 23, at their home in Ford End last year.

Miss Survived the attack despite being shot in the neck, shoulder and chest, but Mr Cass died.

At his Suffolk home Piccolo had also shot and wounded his own son Darren, 26. Darren Piccolo needed to have emergency surgery and had the top of his scalp removed for a life-saving operation. He is still seriously ill.

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