Marie Kernan: Police officers need more training

The mother of a schizophrenic man shot dead by police has called for better training of armed officers and greater restrictions on their use of guns.

Marie Kernan made her demand as the Police Federation was set to announce the results of its survey on whether police want to be armed as a matter of routine.

Mrs Kernan's son, Andrew, was fatally wounded after he brandished a sword in a Liverpool street, in July 2001.

She fears that many other people could be killed if more police officers are allowed to carry guns.

Other options

"Police need more training before they get guns," Mrs Kernan said.

Andrew Kernan suffered from schizophrenia

"They must be trained more because... they don't know what they are doing," she said.

Mrs Kernan said that when police are called to an incident they need to look at all their options - including the use of other equipment - before they resort to guns.

"They must, must start using their options more."

'Absolutely horrendous'

She added: "The only reason a policeman should shoot anybody is if they are under threat of a gun."

Mr Kernan, who was suffering from schizophrenia, died after police were called to his home in the Wavertree area of Liverpool in July 2001.

The Crown Prosecution Service held an inquiry into the 37-year-old's killing.

It was closed earlier this month after it was decided there was not enough evidence to prove the officer was not acting in self defence.

Mrs Kernan said: "My son's death was absolutely horrendous and I'm not going to settle unless I get justice."