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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Ryan Merrifield

Man, 24, shot dead by police in Streatham did not have gun in or around car

A young black man who was shot dead by police in south London didn't have a gun "in or around" his car, an independent watchdog has said.

Drill artist and dad-to-be Chris Kaba, 24, was stopped by armed officers on Monday night in Streatham before being killed.

It comes as his heartbroken family have demanded a homicide case be opened immediately and say they fear he may have been shot due to his skin colour.

Photos from the scene show a BMW car with a single bullet hole through the windscreen.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation, and has given an update this evening.

They said investigators understand officers from an armed response unit attempted to stop Mr Kaba’s car after their computers flagged the vehicle in relation to a “firearms incident in the previous days”.

However, the IOPC said it could not comment further on that incident while the Met’s own probe into it remains open.

The crime scene in Kirkstall Gardens (UkNewsinPictures)

The watchdog went on to say, in relation to Mr Kaba’s death: "We can confirm that around 10pm, as armed officers attempted to stop and contain the vehicle, a single shot was discharged by a police officer.

“CPR was immediately administered by officers at the scene and support was quickly requested from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.

“Mr Kaba sadly died in hospital later that night.

"A detailed search of the scene and surrounding area was completed last night.

Chris Kaba's car with a single bullet hole in the windscreen (UkNewsinPictures)

“No non-police issue firearm has been recovered from the vehicle or the scene.

"A detailed forensic examination will be completed on the vehicle Mr Kaba was driving and on some of the police vehicles involved, which have been removed from the scene and taken to a secure location."

Regional Director Sal Naseem said the IOPC is committed to carrying out a thorough and comprehensive investigation to establish all of the facts surrounding the fatal shooting.

“We recognise that there is community concern following this incident and we appreciate that questions will remain around how Mr Kaba tragically ended up being fatally shot following an attempted vehicle stop," she said.

An aerial view of the scene (UkNewsinPictures)

“We are working hard to piece together all of the circumstances surrounding this incident and we want to reassure the community that these questions will be answered in due course, however it will take some time before our investigation is able to uncover all of the facts.

"While these details are still being confirmed, we ask that the public avoid speculating about this incident out of respect for Mr Kaba's family and for anyone else affected.

“This investigation is complex in nature and there is a large amount of evidence that our investigators are continuing to gather and review.

Forensic officers gathering evidence (PA)

“While we have already undertaken some door-to-door enquiries in the neighbourhood, there is likely to be members of the public we are yet to speak to which may have information that could assist our investigation.

“Anyone with information that may be useful in helping us to paint the picture of the events that evening is asked to contact the IOPC by phoning 0300 303 0779 or by emailing witness@policeconduct.gov.uk - referencing “Streatham Hill”.

“Our heartfelt sympathies remain with Mr Kaba’s family and friends, and everyone affected by this tragic incident.”

A Met spokesperson declined to comment on the IOPC's update when contacted by the Mirror.

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