Pictures too late to save Menezes

JEAN CHARLES de MENEZES was shot dead after pictures identifying the real terror suspect arrived too late because it was out of office hours, an inquest heard today.

Detective Inspector Kevin Southworth said police were only able to order copies of a driving licence belonging to failed bomber Hussain Osman during DVLA working hours.

The images did not arrive at New Scotland Yard until noon — two hours after Mr de Menezes, 27, was killed on 22 July, 2005, at Stockwell Tube station by police who mistook him for one of the 21/7 bombers. The Brazilian electrician was shot seven times.

Coroner Sir Michael Wright told jurors there would be no more evidence from witnesses at the inquest, which started on 22 September, and it was adjourned. The jury was told it would not sit again at the Oval cricket ground before 1 December.