Chris Kaba: Police officer under investigation suspended by Met

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the officer who shot and killed 24-year-old Chris Kaba, who is under criminal investigation, has been suspended from his duties.

The Met released a statement yesterday evening confirming the suspension, following criticism from Mr Kaba’s family and local MPs.

On Saturday, before a protest that saw hundreds of people march to Scotland Yard in Westminster, the headquarters of the Met, Mr Kaba’s family demanded the officer’s suspension.

That was followed by pressure from South London MPs Harriet Harman and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, whose constituency of Streatham is where the shooting took place.

Assistant Commissioner for the Met, 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.”

Pictured top: Chris Kaba (Picture: Family handout)