Frightening Chaos Before Fatal Chris Kaba Shooting, Officer Tells Old Bailey
A firearms officer has described the “incredibly frightening” moments that unfolded right before Met Police officer Martyn Blake shot 24-year-old Chris Kaba in south London. The witness, known only as HA10 to protect her identity, told the Old Bailey how she feared a colleague had been hit by a car during the dramatic police stop on September 5, 2022.
High-Speed Police Stop Turns Violent in Streatham
Officer HA10 gave evidence defending Blake, 40, who faces murder charges over the shooting. The Audi driven by Mr Kaba was suspected to be linked to a shotgun incident the previous night. Armed police, including HA10, followed the car to Streatham and decided to enforce a stop.
HA10 said she exited her vehicle and crossed behind an unmarked police car — which was then rammed by the Audi. “It became apparent the Audi was ramming and smashing into the vehicle ahead of it and the police vehicle behind it,” she told the court.
She recalled the chaos: “There was an awful lot of crashing and smashing. I heard an incredibly clear scream — I thought one of my colleagues had been hit by the vehicle.” However, under cross-examination, HA10 admitted the scream was likely the screech of tyres and that she was never in direct danger of being hit.
Gunshot Heard Over Crash Noise — First Aid Given
HA10 described the split-second decisions she faced to avoid danger. When Mr Kaba was shot, she said: “I remember a very clear and distinctive gunshot which was recognisable over and above all the other noise occurring at the time.”
After the shooting, HA10 administered first aid to Mr Kaba, who tragically later died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Calm Officer Under Pressure
She described her overall experience that night as “an incredibly frightening, chaotic experience.” When asked about officer Blake, HA10 said although she did not know him well, he was always “friendly, very calm, very knowledgeable, and very pleasant to be around,” never showing anger or frustration.
The trial of Martyn Blake continues at the Old Bailey.
