Chris Kaba shooting: Police officer not guilty of murder

Following the officer's acquittal, Mr Kaba's family said: "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."

Their statement continued: "The acquittal of Martyn Blake isn’t just a failure for our family, but for all those affected by police violence."

The family thanked supporters and added that "despite this verdict, we won’t be silenced" and they will "continue fighting for Chris, for justice, and for real change".

The jury of nine men and three women reached their decision after they deliberated for about three hours.

Following the verdict, Mr Justice Goss thanked them, saying they displayed diligence and care during the trial.

Sir Mark said Mr Blake had paid "a huge personal and professional sacrifice" over the past two years since the shooting.

He said the officer had made "a split second decision on what he believed was necessary to protect his colleagues and to protect London".

Sir Mark also criticised the systems used to hold police officers who take lethal shots to account.

"I worry about the lack of support officers face for doing their best, but most of all, I worry for the public," he said.

"The more we crush the spirit of good officers, the less they can fight crime - that risks London becoming less safe."