Coroner re-opens inquest into the death of Sabina Rizvi

The decision marks a significant breakthrough in the Rizvi family’s long fight for answers about what happened on the night Sabina died.

At a hearing at South London Coroner’s Court on 13 February 2019, HM Coroner Mrs Ormond-Walsh recognised that there has not been an adequate and effective investigation into the circumstances in which Sabina died, which includes investigation of the role of the Metropolitan Police Service.

A pre-inquest review hearing has been set for 17 April 2019.

Sabina was fatally shot in the early hours of 20 March 2003 outside Bexleyheath police station in South London. An inquest was opened but then adjourned pending a criminal trial of one of the individuals who was involved in her murder. Paul Asbury was convicted of Sabina’s murder in 2004.

There have been two investigations carried out by the IPCC. The first was a ‘limited investigation’ in 2003 into the conduct of the police in relation to the shooting. The second was much later, the IPCC producing a report dated 13 October 2011.

After the trial the inquest was never resumed, despite the Rizvi family’s belief that an inquest was needed to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding Sabina’s death, including the actions of the Metropolitan Police. 

Anna Moore, solicitor at Leigh Day representing the Rizvi family, said:

“My clients have been fighting for years to find out what happened on the night Sabina died. The coroner’s decision marks significant progress in their fight for justice. My clients are extremely grateful for HM Coroner Mrs Ormond-Walsh for agreeing to re-open this inquest. They hope that the inquest is full and fearless and that it will provide some of the answers they have waited so long for.”

Please note: the Rizvi family do not wish to speak to the media at this time. All media enquiries should be sent to Caroline Ivison at pressoffice@leighday.co.uk