‘Hassan was not well’: Family speaks out after inquest finds man lawfully killed by police

A man armed with two knives who was shot dead by a City of London Police (CoLP) officer in Westminster was lawfully killed, an inquest has concluded.

Hassan Yahya, 30, was Tasered and fatally shot by police on March 8, 2020.

After the inquest concluded on Friday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) released the findings of its investigation which concluded in September 2021.

The watchdog said the actions of the City of London Police firearms officer who shot Mr Yahya were reasonable when considering the risk the officer perceived to his life.

It found no indication any officers should face disciplinary action or had committed a criminal offence.

Mr Yahya’s uncle, El-Tahir Adam, said the family were “very disappointed” with the investigation and the inquests conclusion. 

He said: “It was terrible to lose Hassan in this way, and we have had to be very patient and wait for the inquest to take place.”

On the night Mr Yahya died two Ministry of Defence police (MODP) officers were conducting mobile patrols in a marked police vehicle. 

At around 11.20pm, they were driving along Upper Ground, Waterloo, and came across Mr Yahya. They left their vehicle to speak to him, thinking he may be lost. 

Mr Yahya produced two knives and both officers discharged their Tasers.

One of the officers activated his emergency button and officers from the Met and CoLP responded to the call for assistance. 

Mr Yahya ran away from officers over Hungerford Bridge to Northumberland Avenue where a Met officer discharged his Taser. 

All Taser discharges at this stage were ineffective, according to the IOPC.

Mr Yahya ran onto Great Scotland Yard in Westminster, where a CoLP officer discharged his Taser and another CoLP officer at around 11.35pm fired a single shot, which struck Mr Yahya. 

He was placed in handcuffs and given emergency first aid by the officers but Mr Yahya was pronounced dead at the scene at around 12.15am. Two knives were recovered from the scene. 

IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Hassan Yahya and everyone affected by his death. 

“The officer who shot Mr Yahya said he feared for his life as Mr Yahya moved toward him while holding two knives. Our investigation reviewed all available CCTV footage which showed Mr Yahya stepping towards officers, holding a knife, when he was then fatally shot.”

Three CoLP officers underwent a reflective practice review process over failures to activate their body-worn video during the incident.

Throughout the investigation, the IOPC examined Mr Yahya’s medical records which showed he had been receiving treatment for mental health issues for several years. The police officers who interacted with him on the night did not know about his mental health background.

Mr Adam said: “Hassan was not well and extremely vulnerable, but he did not harm anyone, and I believe that there were opportunities for the police to recognise that and treat him differently.

“I am also disappointed with the absence of important body-worn video evidence from multiple officers who interacted with Hassan.

“I am considering the options available to challenge the Coroner’s decisions.”

Pictured top: Hassan Yahya (Picture: Inquest)