Streatham Knife Attacker Sudesh Amman Shot Dead by Undercover Police
Sudesh Amman, 20, from Queensbury in north London, was fatally shot by undercover officers after launching a knife rampage in Streatham, South London, in February last year.
Lawful Killing Confirmed, But Could The Attack Have Been Stopped?
The inquest jury at the Royal Courts of Justice ruled the killing lawful. However, they were also asked to consider whether the probation service or police missed chances to prevent the stabbing spree.
Amman had been released from Belmarsh prison just 10 days earlier. He’d served half of a 40-month sentence for obtaining and distributing terrorist material.
Knife Rampage in Streatham High Road
On February 2nd, 2021, Amman snatched a carving knife from a shop and stabbed two passers-by — one seriously — as he rampaged up Streatham High Road.
Armed surveillance officers shot him dead outside Boots just 62 seconds after the attack started when he turned and charged at them.
Probation Service ‘Missed Chance’ to Stop Attack
The jury found that probation officers “missed an opportunity” to prevent the attack. Amman was not recalled to prison after purchasing items potentially used to create a fake suicide belt.
They heard that probation could have recalled Amman if his behaviour showed an “increased or unmanageable risk of serious harm” or an imminent threat of further offences.
Coroner Mr Justice Hilliard directed the jury to return a lawful killing verdict, saying it was the only conclusion they could “safely return” with no objections from interested parties.
