THE gunsmoke has cleared from the carriage where Jean Charles de Menezes was shot but what happened in those few minutes looks certain to spark a controversy that could even end in court.

The leaked documents cast doubt over why and how de Menezes was shot and the defence mounted by Sir Ian Blair, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Hours after the shooting Sir Ian told a press conference the death was linked to investigations into the London bombers.

That was correct because Mr de Menezes had been followed from a block of flats linked to one of the July 21 bombers.

But he went on to assert: “As I understand the situation the man was challenged and refused to obey police instructions.” The early findings of the inquiry throw doubt on whether there was a proper challenge, let alone that de Menezes refused to obey. Sir Ian gave an even more detailed statement that now appears to be partially inaccurate. It read: “The man who was shot was under police observation because he had emerged from a house which was under observation because it was linked to the investigations to incidents. He was then followed by surveillance officers to the station. His clothing and behaviour added to the officer’s suspicions.”

Eyewitness accounts appeared to support the police version that he was wearing a padded coat. They claimed he had leapt a ticket barrier apparently while being chased by police. In fact he used a ticket and it may have been an undercover policeman who leapt the barrier, afraid his quarry was escaping.

One witness even said: “This guy appeared to have a bomb belt and wires coming out.” Another said: “He ran on to the train. He was pursued by three plainclothes officers. He half-tripped and half-fell to the floor. He had quite a thickish coat like a coat you would wear in winter, padded jacket.”

The picture of de Menezes dead in the carriage shows him wearing a thin jacket and jeans. There was no bomb belt.

Two days later Sir Ian said that officers had tried to get de Menezes under control. “We will try and get them under control and that is what this man was being asked to do. The important thing here is there is nothing gratuitous going on, there is nothing cavalier here, there is no conspiracy to shoot people.”

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Sarah Brown says 'no thanks' to veal at G8 - twice
• Stockton-on-Tees is obesity capital of Britain
• Stores blame poor sales on Murray factor