Supervision Concerns Uncovered by Police Watchdog in Bexleyheath Shooting Case involving Met Officer

Sabina Rizvi was tragically shot and killed outside a police station in London in 2003, with her boyfriend being injured in the attack. The perpetrator was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found that the supervision of a probationary police officer who had contact with the victims before the shooting was lacking, leading to the tragedy. The inquest into Ms. Rizvi’s death concluded that she was unlawfully killed.

The IOPC found that the inexperienced probationary officer did not provide sufficient supervision while Mr. Williams was detained, allowing him to make a call that may have alerted the shooter. However, there was no evidence of misconduct by the officers involved. Despite the family’s belief that the police could have done more to prevent the tragedy, the coroner stated that there was no fault on the part of the police. The verdict of the inquest left Ms. Rizvi’s family feeling like they have not received justice and that important questions remain unanswered.

Ms. Rizvi’s mother expressed disappointment that the jury could not provide more insight into what happened to Sabina. The family believes there was a lack of action by the police to address the risk to her life, and they feel that systemic injustice has plagued their quest for answers since her murder. Despite the jury hearing evidence about the events leading up to the shooting, they were unable to offer a conclusive judgment on the matter. The family will continue to seek closure and justice for Sabina.

The tragic events of Ms. Rizvi’s murder and her boyfriend’s injuries were the subject of a re-investigation by the IOPC, which focused on the actions of the police officers involved and whether any information had been passed to the shooter prior to the attack. The report also examined the decisions made by the investigating officer during the victims’ time at the police station and how they may have contributed to the risk they faced upon release. The IOPC’s findings have been shared with the coroner and the family, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that took Sabina Rizvi’s life.

The inquest into Sabina Rizvi’s death was reopened in 2019 after being adjourned in 2003, and further delayed due to the pandemic. The process has been emotionally challenging for the family, who continue to seek answers and justice for Sabina. While the conclusion of the inquest did not provide the closure they were hoping for, they are grateful for the jury’s time and attention to the evidence presented. The impact of the tragedy on Ms. Rizvi’s family and the ongoing pursuit of accountability from the authorities demonstrate the enduring pain and sense of loss resulting from her untimely death.