Metropolitan Police officer Martyn Blake has been acquitted of the murder of Chris Kaba, who was shot dead in Streatham, south-east London, following a police chase.

Kaba, 24, was shot in the head after police boxed in his vehicle, which had been pursued due to a shooting incident he was involved in the day before.

Kaba's family expressed devastation over the verdict and vowed to continue seeking justice, while some police colleagues questioned the decision to prosecute Blake.

The case has ignited public protests and raised significant concerns about police conduct and community relations, highlighting the complexities surrounding law enforcement actions.

During the trial, Blake's defense lawyer Patrick Gibbs argued that Blake acted under immense pressure, emphasizing the human element in high-stress situations faced by police officers.

The judge lifted reporting restrictions post-trial, revealing Kaba's extensive criminal history, including connections to gang violence, which had not been disclosed during the proceedings.

The decision to prosecute Blake was controversial, leading to backlash from his colleagues, some of whom refused to carry weapons in solidarity, prompting the Met to seek backup.

After a three-week trial, the jury deliberated for nearly three hours before reaching a not guilty verdict at London's Old Bailey.

Following his acquittal, Blake will return to his police duties after refresher training, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct will review his actions during the incident.

Kaba had a criminal history that included multiple convictions for firearms offenses and was facing a lengthy prison term at the time of his death.

Met Commissioner Mark Rowley expressed dissatisfaction with the trial's outcome, criticizing the legal system and acknowledging the need to rebuild trust in policing.

Blake expressed regret for the distress caused to Kaba's family but maintained that his actions were lawful and necessary in the context of the incident.