A SENIOR member of police staff has been suspended as an investigation is launched into the 11,000 gun licences held in Greater Manchester.

Police said they had concerns about the "appropriateness of decisions" to issue firearms licences in five cases in a sample of 100 they examined.

Officers are so worried about the discovery that they are now re-examining every one of the the 11,000 gun licences held in Greater Manchester.

Ass Ch Con Ian Wiggett said police were surprised at the outcome of the sample review, as everything had been done properly "on the surface".

Police carried out a review of firearms licences after the Independent Police Complaints Commission investigated cases involving other forces, including Durham, Surrey and North Yorkshire.

The senior member of staff — understood to occupy a managerial position — on the firearms licensing unit will remain suspended until the investigation is finished.

Extra staff have now been recruited to the unit to help deal with the huge workload.

Police said additional training will be provided to staff and extra safeguarding measures are being built into the application process.

Ass Ch Con Ian Wiggett said: "On the surface it looked like everything had been done, but when we have gone and looked at the incident files in detail, it has become apparent five of the cases provoke concerns."

He said none of the five cases flagged up have involved any misuse of the firearms, and that incidents involving firearms licences are rare.

The force's biggest problem remains the unlawful ownership of firearms, he said.

He added: “We wanted to be confident that our processes were robust.

“If we find cases that do not meet the strict criteria for a licence to be granted, then we will look to secure firearms and revoke licences where necessary.

“I would like to reassure existing firearms licence holders that as long as you have acted, and continue to act, within the law and the guidance that is given to licence holders, then you will not be affected by this review.”

John Allan, from Bolton Gun Club, said police are stringent when processing applications for a licence, but that it is now easier to obtain one than previously.

He said: "You simply fill out a form and declare any previous convictions, including driving or speeding offences.

"If you do that, unless there is some other unusual reason, you should be entitled to a licence.

"I'm involved in the shotgun section of the club and we never have a problem.

"The police used to be more awkward and seemed like they did not want people to have guns at all.

"But they are much more realistic these days.

"They are stringent in their checks but the law as far as shotguns is concerned is that you have a right to own one."

GMP has briefed the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and registered firearms dealers to inform them of the review.

Firearms licence holders with queries can email FirearmsandExplosivesUnit@gmp.pnn.police.uk.

Anyone with information they wish to pass to police can call 0161 8560832 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.