Chris Kaba: Martyn Blake named as Met Police officer charged with murder after anonymity order lifted

Metropolitan Police firearms officer Martyn Blake has been named as the man accused of murdering Chris Kaba after a court anonymity order was lifted.

The 24-year-old died from a gunshot wound in a Met operation in Streatham on September 5 2022. He was shot in the head after the vehicle he was driving was stopped by police.

Blake pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey today (March 8) and is due to go on trial on October 1. He had been known by codename NX121 due to threats against him.

Judge Mark Lucraft lifted the anonymity order after media organisations challenged the legal application protecting his identity, based on the importance of open justice.

Metropolitan Police Federation acting chair Rick Prior said officers are "hugely shocked, saddened and concerned" over the decision to name the firearms officer.

“We still await the results of the Home Office's ‘accountability review’ into operational policing but it goes without saying that our police officers must have full confidence that they have the protection needed to do this difficult and dangerous job society expects of them," he said.

"Being a firearms officer in London is one of the world’s toughest jobs. Officers, who volunteer for the role, know the responsibility and accountability that comes with it. It is a job like no other and they need fairness when it comes to scrutiny.

“As a federation, we can reassure our members that we continue to support the officer and his family at this difficult time; and will work to mitigate any risks this decision from the courts might bring.

"We also continue to provide support to those brave colleagues who willingly undertake this challenging firearms role every day to keep Londoners safe."