Cumbrian cops

Armchair critics have been quick to criticise the police handling of the tragic shooting incident in Cumbria (your report, 5 June).

Sadly, no-one can foresee the problems likely to be encountered in such a tragedy and it is utterly impossible to have teams of police officers or emergency services descend on a location within a short time.

Thankfully, in this country, we do not require such teams to be sitting in a room waiting on such a call. But when it does arise, the teams have to be assembled and fully briefed regarding the situation and they then have to get to the location.

Until we hear the result of the inquiry let us extend our deepest sympathy to the relatives of the victims and let the police get on with their mammoth task.

JOHN McDONALD

Rosebery Court

Kirkcaldy