The firearms officer who fatally shot Chris Kaba in south London a week ago has been suspended from duty, the Metropolitan Police said.

Mr Kaba, 24, from Wembley, who had been due to become a father, was killed while unarmed on September 5 following a police pursuit of his car which ended in Streatham Hill.

His Audi was hemmed in by two police vehicles in Kirkstall Gardens, a narrow residential street, and one round was fired from a police weapon.

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Following the shooting thousands of protestors joined a march on Saturday (September 10) in memory of Mr Kaba, who was a rapper with the drill group 69.

Mr Kaba’s familycalled for the officer involved to be suspended.

In a statement issued on their behalf, Daniel Machover, head of civil litigation at solicitors Hickman & Rose, said: “The family now await the outcome of that investigation, but seek a charging decision in this case in weeks or a few months, not years.”

He added: “In the meantime, the family demand that the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis immediately suspend the firearms officer, pending the outcome of the investigation.”

Harrow Times: rapper Chris Kaba who was shot by armed officers from the Metropolitan Police at Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, south London (photo: PA)rapper Chris Kaba who was shot by armed officers from the Metropolitan Police at Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, south London (photo: PA) (Image: PA)

On Monday (September 12) evening Met Police Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson confirmed the force had done so.

She said: “This decision has been reached following careful consideration of a number of factors, including the significant impact on public confidence, and in light of the Independent Office for Police Conduct announcing a homicide investigation.

“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Kaba’s family and friends.

“We understand how concerned communities are, particularly black communities, and thank those who are working closely with our local officers.”

Harrow Times: Flowers at Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, south London, at the scene where the rapper Chris Kaba was shot by armed officers from the Metropolitan Police Monday eveningFlowers at Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, south London, at the scene where the rapper Chris Kaba was shot by armed officers from the Metropolitan Police Monday evening (Image: PA)

Ms Pearson had said on Friday that the officer involved was not currently on operational duties and their work status would be “carefully considered going forward”.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he supported the Met’s move to suspend the officer.

Mr Khan said: “I welcome this decision and am in regular contact with the IOPC and the new Commissioner.

“My thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s loved ones at this intensely difficult time as the IOPC continue their independent homicide investigation.”