Victim Andrew Kernan suffered from schizophrenia

A police officer who shot a man dead in Liverpool will not face charges, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided.

Andrew Kernan, a psychiatric patient, was fatally shot while brandishing a Samurai sword in the street in the Wavertree area of the city.

The CPS inquiry into the killing of Mr Kernan was closed on Wednesday after it was decided there was not enough evidence to prove the officer was not acting in self defence.

However, the decision has angered Mr Kernan's mother who believes someone should be held accountable for her son's death.

Mr Kernan, 37, who was suffering from schizophrenia, died after police were called to his Wellington Road home on 12 July 2001.

Who is going to take responsibility for the death of my son? Marie Kernan

During the day he became agitated, and later left his house with the sword, shortly before he died.

Reviewing lawyer for the CPS, Stephen O'Doherty, said: "I could find no evidence against the officers that they had committed an offence.

"There was no evidence against any senior officer in the force that could lead to a prosecution."

Mr Kernan's mother Marie said she was "appalled" by the decision.

She said: "Merseyside Police killed a mentally ill boy in the street. It's disgusting. Who is going to take responsibility for the death of my son?

Mr Kernan was shot while brandishing a sword

"This decision stinks. Mr Blunkett said today that people who shoot police officers would serve 20 to 30 years. What about the other way round?"

The family's solicitor Rex Makin said they could not challenge the CPS decision, and Mrs Kernan had decided no civil action would be taken.

"This was a personal decision by Mrs Kernan. She is not concerned about money, she just wants justice," said Mr Makin.

Merseyside Police expressed its sympathies to Mrs Kernan and her family.

"I hope the inquest into Mr Kernan's death can be concluded at the earliest opportunity," said deputy chief constable Mike Tonge.