The family of a Greater Manchester policeman shot dead in a bungled training exercise have said they are “extremely distressed” about a photograph which shows two firearms officers from his former unit fooling around with a gun.

Officers involved have been removed from specialist unit

It is understood the image was taken just a month after an inquest ruled that Pc Ian Terry, 32, was unlawfully killed while on duty with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in June 2008.

The photograph was said to have been discovered on a computer during an unrelated raid on an officer’s home.

It features two uniformed officers from the GMP Tactical Firearms Unit, with one pointing a shotgun at the other who is jokily posing on the bonnet of an armoured vehicle.

The officers involved have since been removed from the specialist unit.

Earlier this month, the Health and Safety Executive announced it was prosecuting the force and two of its officers over alleged breaches of safety laws in connection with Pc Terry’s death but the Crown Prosecution Service ruled there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against the officer who shot Pc Terry or GMP.

In a statement issued on behalf of the family – including his widow Joanne – James Reilly, of Ralli solicitors, said: “These images are clearly distressing to the family and highlights that GMP, and in particular the tactical fire arms unit, haven’t learnt anything from the circumstances surround the tragic death of Ian Terry.”

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Greater Manchester Police expects the highest professional standards from all officers and staff and clearly this falls well short. This matter was dealt with quickly as soon as it came to light in June 2011 and the three officers involved were removed from the firearms unit.