Police revoked the rights of gun owners in Dorset more than 300 times in 13 years, latest figures show.

Following the recent mass shooting in Plymouth police forces across England and Wales have been urged to review their firearm application processes.

Jake Davison killed five and wounded two others after having his gun licence reinstated just months after it was revoked following his involvement in a fight.

In light of the gunman's deadly attack, the Government is calling on forces to review their current vetting processes and look at whether they need to revisit existing licences.

Home Office figures show Dorset Police revoked 35 licences and refused to renew seven in the year to March.

In the same period, the force approved 194 new applications for firearm or shotgun licences but refused permission in 11 cases.

Since 2008, when recording began, officers have approved 8,199 applications but revoked 342 licences and refused 36 applications for renewal.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “All forces have been directed by the Home Office to review their current firearm licence application processes ahead of the new statutory guidance.

“The Force follows Home Office national legislation when processing and managing firearms licences. Applications for a firearms certificate are assessed by a dedicated team of experts and a robust process of background checks is completed.

“If a certificate holder has a change of circumstances that means they no longer have good reason to own a firearm or a change in suitability, then their certificate can be revoked.

“Since 2016, forces have been following a Home Office scheme where medical information is requested from doctors when the applicant applies for, or renews, their certificate.”

A firearms certificate can be revoked for several reasons, including if a holder presents a danger to the public, is of "intemperate habits or unsound mind", no longer has a good reason to possess a firearm or has failed to comply with conditions under which the certificate is held.

The data shows that more than 560,000 people across England and Wales held shotgun or firearm licences in March, including 10,575 in Dorset.

The Government is now preparing to publish statutory guidance in an effort to ensure "greater consistency and higher standards" of decision making around firearms licensing.

Changes are likely to include greater scrutiny of an applicant's internet and social media use.

But the British Association for Shooting and Conservation says the process has taken too long, with a spokesman adding that the organisation had warned successive Government ministers of deadly consequences if stricter vetting processes were not implemented.