Knife Terrorist Shot Dead After South London Rampage
Sudesh Amman, 20, from Queensbury in north London, was shot dead by undercover police after stabbing two people in Streatham last February. The inquest jury ruled the killing lawful but criticised the probation and police services for missing chances to stop the attack.
Amman Released Early from Jail
Amman had been freed from Belmarsh prison just 10 days earlier. He served half of a 40-month sentence for terror offences involving extremist material. On 2 February, he grabbed a carving knife from a shop and launched a violent rampage along Streatham High Road, stabbing two passers-by—one seriously.
Seconds Later: Armed Police Fire Lethal Shots
Armed surveillance officers shot Amman dead outside Boots pharmacy after just 62 seconds. He ran at the officers, forcing them to open fire. The jury found the killing was lawful.
Blame on Probation Service for Missing Warning Signs
The jury stated the probation service “missed an opportunity” to recall Amman to prison. He had bought items that suggested he was making a fake suicide belt. Probation could have acted if they had deemed his behaviour a serious or imminent risk to the public.
“Amman could have been recalled if his actions indicated an increased or unmanageable risk of serious harm,” the jury said.
Coroner Mr Justice Hilliard confirmed the lawful killing verdict, with no objections from any interested parties.
