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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Bradley Jolly & Melissa Sigodo

Chris Kaba protest: Met police slammed for 'appalling' probe after man shot dead

Demonstrators have gathered today to express fury against an "appalling" police force which shot dead a young man through the windscreen of his car.

Chris Kaba's family are calling for a "homicide investigation" to be launched into the circumstances surrounding his death.

They joined more than 1,000 people outside New Scotland Yard in central London, after it took several days for the Metropolitan Police officer to be suspended in relation to the incident.

Speaking at the protest, Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lambeth, Labour MP for Streatham, said: "In my view the length of time it’s taken to suspend the officer involved is completely appalling.

Protesters waved banners opposite New Scotland Yard (Daily Mirror)

"I can’t think of any other profession where you actions would lead to someone’s life ending and you wouldn’t immediately be suspended.

"They say that it’s something to do with the law but I believe that needs to change.

"It’s strange the officer hasn’t been interviewed under caution because obviously in people’s mind yes the police have a specific job to do with law and order.

"Things are handled a different way - but once it’s was upgraded to a homicide investigation, you expect the officer to be treated in the way anyone involved in a homicide investigation would be and that’s not the case.

More than 1,000 people gathered for the demonstration (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)

"I think people would hope that exploring whether racism is as a factor is something that’s happened already.

"But you have to remember that's not been the case in other investigations, so it’s quite key that the family have been able to secure that."

Protesters waved banners outside the police force's headquarters today.

Some read: "Fight police racism" while others read: "Justice for Chris Kaba."

Protesters hold up signs during the Justice for Chris Kaba protest (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, 73, attended the gathering and expressed his "terrible sadness" at Mr Kaba's death.

He said: "This is a moment of terrible sadness, our solidarity and sympathy of Chris family.

"A child to be born without ever knowing her father because he was shot through the windscreen of a car.

"We will never allow him to be forgotten. I support the demands made by the family.

Jeremy Corbyn addressed the crowd at the gathering (Daily Mirror)

"Despite the national mourning that’s going on, it’s important because we are beating witness to the terrible tragedy that has happened here. Imagine if no one was here.

"Imagine the terrible pain. We will carry on being here until the interview takes place under caution.

"It raises questions about the style and form of police in urban areas.

"Some policing leads to a great sense of anger and injustice. Turn that anger into a positive demand.

"I want a much higher degree of accountability to bring security and safety to our communities."

Chris Kaba was a father-to-be (MyLondon)

Mr Kaba, who was due to become a father, was killed following a car chase in Streatham on Monday evening, with photos from the scene showing a BMW with a single bullet hole through the windscreen.

The Met Police said a "suspect" vehicle was pulled over using "tactical contact" at 9.51pm in Kirkstall Gardens, south London.

The force added a man in his 20s had been taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Jeremy Corbyn makes a speech during the Justice for Chris Kaba protest (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)

Jefferson Bosela, Mr Kaba's cousin, told Mirror Online he and other family members saw the body yesterday.

"It was so tragic, so tragic. The whole time I was thinking, just get up, just get up," he said.

There were several speakers, greeted with cheers and applause, at the demonstration.

Met Police officers are pictured after the incident in Streatham Hill, south London (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Chris Kaba's cousin makes a speech during the protests (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)

Lee Lawrence, whose mother Cherry Groce was shot by police, told the crowd: "When I was 11 the police came in my house and shot my innocent mum Cherry Groce in front of me and my siblings.

"My mum was paralysed. She passed in 2011 the same year when mark was killed by police."

Marcia Rigg, whose brother Sean Rigg died in Brixton police station in south London, said: "I’m just going to fight my tears.

"My condolences to Chris’ family. The whole country is grieving.

"We our grieving for our loved ones our kings, our queens."

A protester holds up a sign during the Justice for Chris Kaba protest (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking last week, Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson, of Met Police, on Monday evening 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."

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