Cop at Chris Kaba shooting says Martyn Blake 'should never have been put in that position'

Metropolitan Police firearms officer Martyn Blake was acquitted of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey - and one of his police colleagues has slammed 'the state' for taking him to court

A firearms officer who was at the scene of Chris Kaba’s death has blamed "the state" for training Martyn Blake to do "fearsome" work before dragging him to court.

Metropolitan Police firearms officer Martyn Blake was acquitted of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey yesterday after around three and a half hours of deliberation. Mr Blake, 40, stood trial after shooting the 24-year-old through the front windscreen of an Audi Q8 in Streatham, south east London, on September 5 2022.

Mr Kaba's family said they are "devastated" and feel "the deep pain of injustice" after the ruling. But a police colleague of Mr Blake believes the case should never have gone to court.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the officer, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I believe (it was wrong to go to court). I believe that at no point was there any evidence that Martyn Blake had done anything wrong or at least deviated from his training or indeed the law. Martyn is the most professional, assiduous, diligent police officer you will come across and he should never have been put in this position. He was on Kirkstall Gardens that night on behalf of the state.

He added: "The state put Martyn Blake there that night and the state trained him to do the fearsome thing that he had to do and he should never have been named in the media. That’s my personal opinion.”

Kaba's family said they have been left with "the deep pain of injustice" after Blake was cleared of murder following the trial. The family said last night: "Today, we are devastated. The not guilty verdict leaves us with the deep pain of injustice adding to the unbearable sorrow we have felt since Chris was killed. No family should endure the unimaginable grief we have faced. Chris was stolen from us, and this decision shows his life — and many others like him — does not matter to the system. Our son deserved better.

"The acquittal of Martyn Blake isn’t just a failure for our family, but for all those affected by police violence. Despite this verdict, we won’t be silenced. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stood by us and fought for justice. We will continue fighting for Chris, for justice, and for real change. Chris’ life mattered, and nothing can take-that away from us." placards saying "Justice for Chris Kaba". Chants of "Say his name - Chris Kaba" and "No justice - no peace" were heard outside the Old Bailey on Monday evening as police closed off the road to traffic during a large protest.