THE mother of a teenager shot dead by his mentally ill friend has demanded someone is made accountable for his death following an inquiry by health bosses.

Mark Harrington had a history of mental illness and had been receiving treatment at the psychiatric unit at Blackburn's Queen's Park Hospital as an out-patient for a number of years.

In January this year Harrington, of St James Road, Blackburn, shot 18-year-old Anthony Rigby in the back of his head at his flat in Swift Close, Larkhill. He died in hospital four days later.

John Thomas, chief executive of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Healthcare NHS Trust, launched a Joint Serious Incident Internal Review in conjunction with Blackburn with Darwen Social Services, following the shooting.

Social Services bosses are currently drawing up an action plan to implement any recommendations and the report is also to be scrutinised by an external independent review, to be overseen by Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust.

The findings of that external review will then be made public.

Anthony's mum, Carole Rigby of Corwen Close, Blackburn, said: "I blame bosses at Queen's Park for what happened to my son and I still want answers.

"Someone has to be accountable for what happened to Anthony. They knew what Harrington was like and that he was dangerous."

Preston Crown Court heard Harrington, who was 19 at the time of the killing, had drawn up a hit list with the name of four more intended victims. Police working on the case said he was more than capable of carrying out his threat to kill them all "one by one." He was detained indefinitely in a mental unit after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibilities.

Ken Foote, director of Blackburn with Darwen Council Social Services Department, said: "Since this tragic incident, the Social Services Department, in close collaboration with its health partners, has rigorously reviewed all of its policies and procedures with regard to community mental health care.

"The Review Team has completed its report. A formal presentation of the recommendations is due to take place early next month."