Menezes police used high-density bullets

The officers from SO19 were issued with special ammunition and warned they were dealing with suspects who were "deadly" and "up for it", the jury was told.

The officers - codenamed "black team" - were given the impression they were dealing with a "deadly and determined, suicidal bomber", Clare Montgomery QC, prosecuting, told the Old Bailey.

They were issued with "124-grain" ammunition for their Glock handguns. The high-density 9mm bullet has been proven for its "stopping power," resulting in instant death and avoiding the prospect of an injured suicide bomber being able to arm his bomb.

During the briefing the police officers were told they would be using "unusual tactics that the department had not used before", Miss Montgomery said, adding: "Ralph understood this to mean they might have to shoot someone point blank in the head."

The court heard black team's leader, codenamed "Ralph", said he later received radio confirmation that Mr de Menezes, an innocent Brazilian, was "definitely our man". The 27-year-old was shot seven times in the head after being followed by police from his home in Scotia Road, Tulse Hill, an address linked to attempted 21/7 bomber Hussain Osman.

The Met is on trial over allegations that it breached health and safety law by exposing the public, including Mr de Menezes, to risk on July 22 2005.

The force denies the charge and the case continues.