Police officer who shot dead unarmed man suspended from duty

A police officer who shot dead an unarmed black man in south London has been suspended.

Chris Kaba, 24, was killed last Monday after a chase in Streatham Hill. A single shot was fired after firearms officers deliberately crashed into his car to stop it.

The Metropolitan Police said officers pursued the vehicle after a number plate recognition camera indicated it had been linked to a firearms offence.

Mr Kaba, who was a rapper, died in hospital and there have been protests over his killing, including one at the weekend in which hundreds marched to parliament.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct, the police watchdog, has started a homicide investigation.

Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson said the officer had been suspended after considering factors such as “the significant impact on public confidence” and the investigation.

“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Kaba’s family and friends,” she said.

“We understand how concerned communities are, particularly black communities, and thank those who are working closely with our local officers.”

Ms Pearson said the decision to suspend the officer would not determine the outcome of the regulator’s investigation.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said he welcomed the decision and was “in regular contact with the IOPC and the new Met Commissioner”.

Mr Kaba was about to become a father, his fiancee’s mother said last week.

“He was so loved. He was so funny. He was super kind. Crazy. He was always happy. He’d do anything for you,” Kim Alleyne said.

A 39-year-old man who lives near the scene of the shooting and asked not to be named said a police car crashed into Mr Kaba’s vehicle.

“Another police car came in behind him and they had him locked in at the bottom of Kirkstall Gardens,” he said.

“The car was immobile when he was shot.”

Another witness told the Evening Standard that Mr Kaba was driving an Audi and tried to ram his way past the police cars.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IOPC by phoning 0300 303 0779 or by emailing witness@policeconduct.gov.uk referencing “Streatham Hill”.