Father of four Mark Duggan was shot dead by police in Tottenham.

Police shooting victim Mark Duggan did not fire first at officers despite a claim made by the police watchdog that he had, the IPPC has admitted.

The lead investigator for the police watchdog inquiry into the fatal shooting of Duggan admitted a “mistake” was made in information released in the aftermath of the incident.

Duggan’s killing by police officers near Tottenham Hale triggered the London riots, which the spread around the country.

Today (Monday) Michael Mansfield QC, representing Mr Duggan’s family, grilled Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigator Colin Sparrow about the lack of information to his relatives so far.

Mr Mansfield told the hearing at North London Coroner’s Court: “You appreciate the anxiety that the family have about the investigation?

“And you are aware at least, one of the reasons is the misinformation that was broadcast at the beginning, close to the time Mark Duggan met his death.

“Misinformation suggesting some form of shoot-out, and you accept that was a serious mistake?”

Mr Sparrow said: “It was a mistake.”

The hearing at North London Coroner’s Court in High Barnet was also told that a gun initially linked to Mr Duggan was actually found 14ft away from the crime scene in Ferry Lane, and on the other side of a fence.

Mr Mansfield said witnesses had said they had seen a police officer throw the weapon there.

He asked Mr Sparrow, who was giving evidence from the witness box: “How on earth did the gun get over a fence 14ft away? Was it thrown there by a police officer?”

Mr Sparrow said: “That’s a suggestion, yes.”

Mr Mansfield said that neither Mr Duggan’s blood, DNA or fingerprints were found on the gun.

The inquiry continues .