A Met Police officer has been suspended after an unarmed man was shot in the head and killed.
The police watchdog launched a homicide investigation into the death of Chris Kaba following a post mortem on Friday.
Mr Kaba, 24, was driving an Audi which was first rammed before being boxed in by police in Streatham Hill, south London, last Monday evening.
The rapper, who was due to become a dad, was killed following the car chase in Streatham, with photos from the scene showing single bullet hole through the windscreen of his car.
The watchdog has previously confirmed that no gun was found in the vehicle.
One officer was served with a gross misconduct notice following Mr Kaba's death and police on Monday evening confirmed that the firearms officer involved has been suspended from duty.
The Met Police earlier said a "suspect" vehicle was pulled over using "tactical contact" at 9.51pm in Kirkstall Gardens, south London.
The chase followed the activation of an automatic number plate recognition camera, which indicated the vehicle was linked to a firearms incident in the previous days, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said.
The standing down of the officer involved comes after Mr Kaba's family on Saturday demanded the Metropolitan Police officer involved in his shooting was “immediately suspended”.
In a statement released through charity Inquest, dad-to-be Mr Kaba's loved ones also said they are "worried" his life was "cut short" due to his skin colour.
The statement read: “We are devastated; we need answers and we need accountability. We are worried that if Chris had not been black, he would have been arrested on Monday evening and not had his life cut short.”
They added that they had informed the IOPC of their “demand” saying: “we do not want any delay as has happened in other fatal shootings – otherwise we and the wider public can have no confidence that the police will be held to account.”
The family also issued a plea for any witnesses to come forward and said they were “shocked” the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) only made the decision to launch their investigation into the Streatham Hill incident on Friday.
In a statement issued on the family's behalf, Daniel Machover, head of civil litigation at solicitors Hickman & Rose, said: “Following a police stop in Streatham, south west London, shortly after 10pm on Monday 5 September, a firearms officer employed by the MPS fired a fatal shot at Chris Kaba while he was seated, unarmed, in a car.
“On being notified of the death of Chris Kaba, the IOPC should have immediately opened a homicide and disciplinary investigation. The family was shocked to learn on Wednesday, 7 September, that the IOPC had still not done so and demanded a change of heart without delay.
“The family therefore welcome the IOPC’s decisions on Friday, 9 September, to open homicide and disciplinary investigations against that firearms officer, however belatedly.
“The family now await the outcome of that investigation, but seek a charging decision in this case in weeks or a few months, not years. Public confidence in the police and our justice system requires the IOPC and CPS to find a way to make decisions in this case on a timescale that delivers justice to all concerned. Avoidable delay is unacceptable.
“In the meantime, the family demand that the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis immediately suspend the firearms officer, pending the outcome of the investigation.”
The statement issued by Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson on Monday evening said: “Following the death of Chris Kaba, the firearms officer involved has been suspended from duty.
“This decision has been reached following careful consideration of a number of factors, including the significant impact on public confidence, and in light of the Independent Office for Police Conduct announcing a homicide investigation.
“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Kaba’s family and friends. We understand how concerned communities are, particularly Black communities, and thank those who are working closely with our local officers."
Ms Pearson said police were "actively supporting" the IOPC investigation and asked those with relevant information to contact the IOPC directly to maintain the independence of their investigation.
“The decision to suspend the officer does not determine the outcome of the IOPC investigation," Ms Pearson added.
"Firearms officers serve to protect the public and know that on the rare occasions when they discharge their weapons, they will face intense scrutiny. I know this development will have a significant impact on the officer and colleagues.”
The Metropolitan Police earlier expressed its condolences to Mr Kaba's loved ones, saying the force understood that "the family and community want answers".
In a statement issued earlier on Wednesday, Commander Alexis Boon said the incident was "extremely concerning" and vowed the force would co-operate with the police watchdog in its aftermath.
The officer said: "I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who died and I recognise the devastating and lasting impact this tragic incident will have on them.
"I understand that this incident is extremely concerning and I would like to reassure the community that the Met is co-operating fully with the IOPC as they carry out a thorough and independent investigation."
Approximately 400 people gathered in Parliament Square on Saturday to march on Scotland Yard demanding justice.
Lambeth MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy, who says she heard the sound of a helicopter on the night Chris died, is among those to have joined the demonstration to "support the family".
"There's a great sense of shock," she told the Mirror.
"The family wanted to have something themselves, something peaceful. They have to tell people what's going on or people will make their own conclusions and people will think something is amiss."
Temi Mwale, director of the 4front project, addressed the crowd in an emotional speech.
"Today I feel very angry and frustrated like most people here," she said.
"There's a collective grief and collective trauma, especially for the black community. It seems we can be killed by police in this country with impunity."
