Statement from IOPC Director General Michael Lockwood regarding fatal police shooting in Lambeth

In light of the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba in Lambeth [see Update #2: Investigation into fatal Met police shooting in Lambeth | Independent Office for Police Conduct] on Monday, today we met with members of the local community.

We heard their significant concerns and we understand their depth of feeling. We know they have many questions about what happened on Monday evening and our investigation will seek to answer those questions for Chris’s family and the wider community. I hope people will understand that we are only able to make information available to the public once we have independently verified facts, and we are certain that releasing that information will not prejudice our investigation.

Fatal police shootings are rare, but when they do happen it’s important they are thoroughly and robustly investigated by the IOPC which is independent of the police and the Government. I would like to reassure everyone that we will independently investigate without fear or favour and ensure no stone is left unturned. We have the powers we need to do that including, if necessary, conducting a criminal investigation if the evidence indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed.

I appreciate there are many questions that need to be answered and I can assure you that we will work tirelessly to answer those questions. We have already gathered a large amount of evidence which is subject to detailed analysis and this will take time. This includes reviewing a large amount of footage including from body worn video, police car dashcams, police helicopter and CCTV, and interviewing key witnesses. We would ask that the community bear with us as we continue this important work.

All of our thoughts remain with Chris’s family and friends and all of those affected by this tragic incident.