Protestors chant outside court as cop found not guilty of Chris Kaba’s murder

Furious protesters could be heard chanting ‘no justice, no peace’ as they gathered outside London’s Old Bailey just hours after a Met Police officer was cleared of Chris Kaba’s murder.

More than 100 people gathered outside the Old Bailey with Chris Kaba’s family aftee police marksman Martyn Blake, who fatally shot him on September 5, 2022, was cleared of murder after three hours of jury deliberations.

Mr Kaba’s family said they are “devastated” and feel “the deep pain of injustice”.

They also said the verdict was a failure “for all those affected by police violence”, adding that “no family should endure the unimaginable grief we have faced”.

In a statement issued by campaign group Inquest, Mr Kaba’s family said they would “continue fighting for Chris, for justice, and for real change”.

On Monday evening, more than 100 people gathered outside the Old Bailey, where a number of speakers demanded justice for Mr Kaba and his family.

A banner was held that said “We Keep Each Other Safe”, as well as placards saying “Justice for Chris Kaba”.

Chants of “Say his name – Chris Kaba” and “No justice – no peace” were heard outside the Central Criminal Court on Monday evening as police closed off the road to traffic.

One of the speakers called for people to join a march being held on Saturday in central London, and said Mr Kaba’s family will be there and will hand a letter to Downing Street.

Mr Kaba’s cousin spoke at the event about how the family had hoped for a guilty verdict.

She also said they “haven’t really begun to process” the verdict.

Emily Spurrell, who is chairwoman of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, said: “The acquittal of Metropolitan Police firearms officer Martyn Blake for the murder of Chris Kaba ends a long and painful experience for all concerned.

“I wish to extend my sympathies to Chris Kaba’s family who will find today’s verdict difficult to come to terms with.

“Police firearms discharges are very rare, but the consequences can be catastrophic.

“It is, of course, right that such incidents are investigated and, if the evidence is there, prosecuted in the criminal courts.

“PCCs have a legal duty to make sure the highest standards are in place regarding the safety and security of firearms, both for the public and those who carry them.

“We, along with Government and the wider policing sector, need to reflect on the wider implications.”