16/06/2006

Stockwell shooting investigation delayed

The family of Jean Charles de Menezes have said that the investigation into his shooting at Stockwell Tube Station has been delayed because the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been unable to interview Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Ian Blair.

A spokesperson for the family said the situation was "disgraceful" and called on the IPCC to exert its authority to have Sir Ian Blair interviewed. The family said that IPCC had to interview Sir Ian, who has apparently been "unavailable" for two months.

The IPCC has confirmed a delay in the 'Stockwell 2' investigation, but did not indicate the reason, other than to say that the investigation process was "complex."

The IPCC said that the timing of interviews was not a major factor and that there was no disagreement with the Metropolitan Police Service."

According to the IPCC the investigation is expected to be concluded by "late summer."

The findings of the initial IPCC investigation were handed to the Crown prosecution Service in January.

However, while a pre-inquest review was held today at Southwark Coroner's Court, the inquest proceedings cannot go ahead until a decision is reached on any criminal charges.

The 27-year-old Brazilian was shot dead by armed police officers after he was mistakenly identified as a suicide bomber the day after the July 21 bombing attempts in London.

(SP/GB)

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