New Met statement on fatal shooting of rapper Chris Kaba after killing 'likened to Mark Duggan'

The Met Police has released a new statement following the shooting by an officer of rapper Chris Kaba, but there is still scant detail on exactly what happened.

A spokesman today said: "The Met continues to support an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the death of a man following the discharge of a police firearm in Lambeth."

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 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 enquiries.

“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.”

It followed calls for more details about the circumstances that led to the shooting of a drill rapper in a stationary car last night.

The force, which was given 100 days to improve public trust by Home Secretary Priti Patel before she resigned ahead of Liz Truss' Cabinet shake up, has released scant details about the death of the man who was killed after being hit with one shot.

He has been named locally as Chris Kaba, 23, a rapper known as Madix, or Mad Itch, who was part of the MOBO-nominated drill group 67.

At Met Police statement yesterday 9Sep 6) said: "At 9:51pm on Monday, September 5, specialist firearms officers were in pursuit of a suspect vehicle in the Lambeth area.

"The vehicle was stopped following tactical contact after a car chase in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill.

"A police firearm was discharged.

"An occupant of the suspect vehicle - a man believed to be aged in his 20s, sustained a gunshot injury.

"London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance were requested. Officers administered first aid prior to their arrival and the man was taken to hospital, where he died at 12:16am today.

"Enquiries are ongoing to notify his next of kin.

"Cordons and road closures are in place.

"As is protocol, the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards were contacted and they notified the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who have launched an independent investigation.

"Enquiries into the exact circumstances are ongoing."

No further details were released.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Streatham, urged for police to release more information about what happened to quell tensions.

He likened it to the 2011 police shooting of Mark Duggan that sparked a wave of riots across the country.

He said: "People are drawing their own conclusions.

"They're looking back at what happened with Mark Duggan, looking back to 2011, and again looking back at the time when we don't get the information that we need about an incident on the basis that it's being investigated."

The IOPC said: "Our" investigation into the fatal shooting of a man in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill is progressing.

"Our investigators have been at the scene overnight, and today, where they have been securing key evidence, including footage from the police vehicles and a police helicopter which was in the area, as well as officers’ body worn video.

"A detailed search of the scene and surrounding area is continuing this evening. We are taking steps to identify and secure relevant CCTV from the area and have conducted house to house enquiries in the neighbourhood, which we will continue in the coming days. We attended the police post incident procedures where the officers involved provided their initial accounts of the incident.

"We can confirm one shot was fired from a police issue firearm, which will be subject to further analysis. "

London Regional Director Sal Naseem said: “Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. The man’s next of kin have been notified and we have made contact with them to offer our condolences and to explain our role. We will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation.

“When the police use fatal force it is important that there is a robust, independent investigation to establish all of the circumstances surrounding what happened.

“It is natural that the community wants answers quickly but I would ask that people refrain from speculation that may be unhelpful to all of those affected. I want to reassure everyone concerned by this incident that our investigators are working hard to establish the entire sequence of events which resulted in this man’s death.

“We have already secured a large amount of evidence which will be subject to comprehensive analysis, and our enquiries are ongoing.”

The Coroner has been informed and a post mortem will take place."

It is understood that police used a tactical stop by colliding with the vehicle he was in to make it come to a halt and a firearm was later discharged by police.

Residents said they heard gunshots and a police helicopter overhead.

Kim Alleyne, 49, whose daughter Karima Waite was engaged to Mr Kaba, said he had been due to become a father.

She said: "He was so loved. He was so funny. He was super-kind. Crazy. He was always happy. He'd do anything for you."