Bennett police remain anonymous

Derek Bennett was shot in Brixton in 2001

Two police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a man who was holding a gun-shaped cigarette lighter will not be named at a forthcoming inquest.

The High Court ruling was made on Thursday in order to protect the Metropolitan Police officers' identity.

Derek Bennett, 29, was shot dead in Brixton, south London, in July 2001.

He was challenged by two armed officers after reports of a man being seen with a gun in Brixton. The jury inquest is due to be heard in November.

Families petrified

Four days after the death of Mr Bennett there was a peaceful protest outside Brixton police station.

But trouble followed and shops were attacked and looted. Three police officers were injured and 27 people were arrested.

Last January, Coroner Dr Selena Lynch refused an application by Officer A, who allegedly fired the fatal shots, and Officer B to have their identities kept secret at the inquest.

Both officers were said to have reason to fear for their lives, and their families were "petrified" at the prospect they would be identified.

Mr Justice Mitting quashed the coroner's refusal to make the order but said that once the jurors verdict was returned, the coroner would have to reconsider the position.

The inquest is to be heard at Inner London Crown Court.