Chris Kaba: Met recognises ‘devastating and lasting impact’ on family after fatal shooting
Sam Holder reports from Streatham about local concern of how the shooting could happen
Police have expressed their condolences to the loved ones of a man who was shot dead by armed officers, saying the force understands that “the family and community want answers”.
His Audi was hemmed in by two police cars in narrow residential street Kirkstall Gardens before one round was fired from a police weapon.
'Devastating and lasting impact'
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Commander Alexis Boon said: "I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who died and I recognise the devastating and lasting impact this tragic incident will have on them.
"I understand that this incident is extremely concerning and I would like to reassure the community that the Met is co-operating fully with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as they carry out a thorough and independent investigation.
"I also recognise that the family and community want answers about what happened. I know the IOPC investigators are working hard to establish the facts but also need some time and space to be able to progress their inquiries.
"Myself, along with the local policing commander, have met with key partners and community members, and will continue to actively work together to engage with, and to reassure the public, at this difficult time."
The shooting is being investigated by the IOPC, as is standard in deaths following police contact.
Mr Kaba’s family earlier questioned whether his life would have been “cut short” if he were not black – as they demanded a murder investigation into his death.
They said on Wednesday they were “devastated” and needed “answers and accountability” over his death.
In a statement released through the charity Inquest, they said: “The family of Chris Kaba seek a homicide investigation into his death from the outset.
“We have today told the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of that demand and that we do not want any delay as has happened in other fatal shootings – otherwise we and the wider public can have no confidence that the police will be held to account.
“We also want the IOPC to tell us whether or not a weapon was found in any search of the vehicle that Chris was driving. We have not received this information even though the shooting happened almost two days ago.
“Finally, we are desperately appealing for any witnesses, whether before, during or after the pursuit and the shooting to come forward to the IOPC and/or to our solicitors at Hickman and Rose.
“We are devastated; we need answers and we need accountability. We are worried that if Chris had not been black, he would have been arrested on Monday evening and not had his life cut short.”
'Why did they shoot him?'
The pastor at a church which Mr Kaba went to as a child said that there are discussions in the community about organising a vigil.
Reverend Siaa-Liane Mathurin, of New Park Road Baptist Church, said: "Chris came to the church when he was little. He was from round here, he lived just over the road.
"The community are scared. I’ve had young people come to me asking ‘why did they shoot him?’
"There are families who didn’t send their kids to school today.
"I’m speaking to community leaders about organising a demonstration or a vigil."
Speaking at the scene on Tuesday, Kim Alleyne, 49, whose daughter Karimah Waite was engaged to Mr Kaba, said of him: "He was so loved. He was so funny. He was super kind. Crazy. He was always happy. He’d do anything for you.
"He was a fiance, he was due to get married in five months’ time. He’s got a baby on the way that he’s never going to see.
"It’s horrible and so shocking and so sad."
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