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Met Police asks coroner to block Chris Kaba inquest as family accuses force of 'resisting' answers

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.

Sgt Martyn Blake, who shot Chris Kaba in the head in Streatham in September 2022, was acquitted of murder at the Old Bailey in October 2024, having said he feared for his life.
Sgt Martyn Blake, who shot Chris Kaba in the head in Streatham in September 2022, was acquitted of murder at the Old Bailey in October 2024, having said he feared for his life.

The Metropolitan Police argued at Southwark Coroner's Court on Thursday that the suspended inquest into Chris Kaba's fatal shooting should not resume, claiming the criminal trial of Sergeant Martyn Blake and an independent watchdog investigation have already covered the ground comprehensively. Blake was cleared of murder after shooting Kaba, 24, in the head during an armed stop in September 2022. Senior Coroner Dr Julian Morris has not yet ruled, with a decision due at a later date. Kaba's family is fighting for the inquest to continue, with lawyers arguing Blake may have acted 'unreasonably'.

Kaba, described by the Met as a violent gangster, was shot following a police chase on September 5, 2022.

His family contends that only a full inquest can properly scrutinise how lethal force was deployed and how the broader police operation that night was conducted.

Lawyers for the family told the court the marksman could have been acting 'unreasonably' — a question they say remains unresolved despite Blake's acquittal.

MoreDaily Mail NewsMet Police asks coroner not to resume inquest into Chris Kaba's death as lawyers for his family say officer could have been acting 'unreasonably'The IndependentChris Kaba shooting: Family demands answers as Met Police 'resist' inquestMy LondonFull inquest into Chris Kaba death ‘not in public interest’ – Met Police - My London
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