Police suspend firearms officer who shot dead Chris Kaba in south London

12 September 2022, 20:49

Met suspend officer who shot Chris Kaba
Met suspend officer who shot Chris Kaba. Picture: Alamy

By Stephen Rigley

A Met Police officer who shot dead unarmed black man Chris Kaba has been suspended from duty, the force has confirmed.

Mr Kaba, 23, died after a single shot was fired in Streatham Hill, south London, on September 5.

The unarmed rapper, who was due to become a father, was stopped by firearms officers when his car was flagged by a number plate recognition camera.

He had been driving an Audi that was rammed and boxed in by police during a chase last Monday. He was killed by a single shot fired through the driver’s side of the car’s windscreen.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has since launched a homicide investigation into his death and the officer involved in the shooting has been suspended, it was reported on Monday.

Chris Kaba who was shot dead by police
Chris Kaba who was shot dead by police. Picture: Alamy

Read More: New Met police chief vows to restore trust in beleaguered force as he is sworn in by the King

Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson said: “Following the death of Chris Kaba, the firearms officer involved has been suspended from duty.

“This decision has been reached following careful consideration of a number of factors, including the significant impact on public confidence, and in light of the Independent Office for Police Conduct announcing a homicide investigation.

Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Kaba’s family and friends. We understand how concerned communities are, particularly Black communities, and thank those who are working closely with our local officers.

“We are actively supporting the IOPC investigation and would ask those with information that could be useful in establishing what happened to contact the IOPC directly to maintain the independence of their investigation.

“The decision to suspend the officer does not determine the outcome of the IOPC investigation. Firearms officers serve to protect the public and know that on the rare occasions when they discharge their weapons, they will face intense scrutiny. I know this development will have a significant impact on the officer and colleagues.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I welcome this decision and am in regular contact with the IOPC and the new commissioner.

“My thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s loved ones at this intensely difficult time as the IOPC continue their independent homicide investigation.”

Hundreds marched on Parliament on Saturday demanding justice for Mr Kaba.

Members of his family were joined by supporters bearing placards proclaiming “justice for Chris Kaba”, “abolish the Met” and “no justice, no peace”.

Today new Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley pledged to rebuild trust in the force on his first day in the job.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Steve Coogan dodged a driving ban after saying it impacted his new TV show

Steve Coogan spared driving ban after plea to save new TV show

Breaking
Breaking News

Bank of England cuts interest rates to lowest level since May 2023

The chilling footage was reportedly taken by a student at the school.

Chilling Sweden mass shooting footage reveals 'gunman's scream' before opening fire and killing 10

Exclusive
Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind CEO Steven Hall has called for more support from the government

Mental health charity calls for government help as services to take £250k hit due to NI tax hikes

Exclusive
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper takes part in the Call the Cabinet phone-in during LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast show.

'Why won't you say the word?': Home secretary refuses to confirm inquiry into murder of Sir David Amess

Exclusive
Aspiring cyber professionals will be given the chance to enter a fast-track stream to become 'cyber warriors' within a month.

Fast-track to £40k: Military recruits ‘cyber warriors’ with just one-month training and highest salary in the armed forces

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper takes part in the Call the Cabinet phone

Government plans new police powers to tackle rising phone thefts, Home Secretary tells LBC

Davina McCall wrote letters to her children before undergoing surgery.

Davina McCall reveals heartbreaking plans she made for her children before brain tumour surgery

Matt Jukes said the UK could not afford to delay taking serious action on the negative impacts of social media.

Dangers of social media for children 'like cancer risk of smoking', says counter-terrorism chief

Ebony McIntosh passed away aged 24.

Tributes pour in for beloved Brit travel influencer who died suddenly on 'dream' trip to Sri Lanka

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden wants to create a more "agile and modern" state

Top civil servants could face the sack if they do not deliver savings for the taxpayer

Exclusive
Shocking figures obtained by LBC show that 2790 women were caught carrying knives in 2023/24, up from fewer than 900 in 2014.

Number of women caught carrying knives trebles in a decade

L-R: Dafydd Huw Craven-Jones, 18, Sophie Bates, 17, Morgan Jones, 17.

Three teens died after new driver 'lost control of car and crashed into tree'

Kemi Badenoch has urged the Government to make it harder for immigrants to secure permanent residency or a UK passport.

Tories pledge to kick out low-paid and unemployed migrants from UK

Exclusive
Beware of Phone Snatchers warning by Metropolitan Police stencilled on London pavement

Police will get extra powers to speed up search warrants in clampdown on soaring mobile phone thefts

Harvey Willgoose died in the attack at All Saints Catholic High School

Mum of Sheffield school stabbing victim Harvey Willgoose reveals heartbreaking final words