Inquest into Menezes death to start

The shooting of the 27-year-old Brazilian has been one of the most traumatic episodes in Britain's struggle with terrorism.

Mr de Menezes was killed with seven shots, fired by police marksmen at point blank range at Stockwell Tube station, south London, in 2005.

Undercover officers mistook him for on-the-run suicide bomber Hussain Osman as he travelled to work.

The facts have slowly emerged in a series of leaks, official reports and an Old Bailey health and safety prosecution.

Former High Court judge Sir Michael Wright is now tasked with bringing together the final account of how Mr de Menezes met his death.

The John Major room at the Oval cricket ground, less than a mile from Stockwell Tube station, will host the 12-week proceedings.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has warned colleagues to brace themselves for the impact of the inquest. In a letter to staff, he said it will be the most testing tribunal since the Macpherson inquiry and will take place in a blaze of publicity.

Key questions will focus on why Mr de Menezes was allowed to board a bus, the legality of police actions and the Met's shoot-to-kill policy.

The worst possible scenario for the Met would be a verdict of unlawful killing, potentially with further "narrative" criticisms.