Martyn Blake, a 40-year-old Metropolitan police firearms officer, is on trial for the murder of 24-year-old Chris Kaba, who was shot in the head while sitting in his Audi Q8 during a police operation in Streatham, London.

The incident occurred on September 5, 2022, when police pursued Kaba's vehicle, which was linked to a prior gunshot incident.

Kaba's Audi had been marked of interest by police due to its connection to a suspected firearms incident from the night before.

During the police operation, Kaba's vehicle was effectively 'penned in' by police cars, leaving him with little room to escape.

Dashcam footage revealed that Kaba's vehicle had briefly reversed into a police car but was not advancing towards Blake when the shot was fired.

Evidence from body-worn cameras and police vehicle footage indicated that Kaba's vehicle was stationary with his hands on the steering wheel at the time of the shooting, posing no immediate risk to officers.

The prosecution argues that Blake's decision to shoot Kaba in the head was unjustified, emphasizing that lethal force should be a last resort.

Blake claims he shot Kaba out of fear for the safety of his colleagues, believing they were at imminent risk from Kaba's vehicle.

The trial continues as the court examines the details surrounding the shooting and the actions of all parties involved.

Key questions for the jury include whether Blake's use of force was necessary and if his belief about the threat level was mistaken.

Kaba was set to become a father shortly before his death, adding emotional weight to the case as his family attends the trial.

Blake has denied the murder charge, asserting that his actions were within the scope of lawful self-defense or defense of others.