On 20 March 2003 Sabina Rizvi’s life was cut short when she was fatally shot outside of Bexleyheath Police Station on 20 March 2003. A successful murder conviction followed with PA sentenced for life in 2004 for the murder of Sabina Rizvi and attempted murder of her boyfriend.
2003: The Events Leading to Sabina’s Death
Sabina Rizvi had attended Bexleyheath Police Station to provide a voluntary interview concerning the ownership of a recently purchased Audi TT. The vehicle was allegedly stolen by MW, her boyfriend, from PA. At the police’s request, MW brought the car to the station, wearing a bulletproof vest due to prior threats. Upon arrival, MW was arrested and interviewed. Following the interview, MW disclosed threats to his life, prompting the police to issue an ‘Osman Warning’ (now referred to as a ‘Threats to Life Warning Notice’ (TTL)).
MW was released on bail and left the station with Sabina. Minutes later, both were shot multiple times. Sabina died at the scene, and MW sustained serious injuries.
2004: Criminal Trial and Conviction
PA was convicted of murder and attempted murder. Despite the conviction, the gunman responsible for the shooting has never been identified. The Rizvi family, however, remained deeply concerned about the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the case and have campaigned for over two decades for a full inquest into the circumstances surrounding Sabina’s death.
2019–2024: Inquest Proceedings
The family’s campaigning and determination led to the opening of an inquest in February 2019. The Coroner, HHJ Angela Rafferty KC, initially ruled that Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to life) was engaged.
The inquest, heard over 14 days considered (1) whether the police deliberately notified PA and/or others of the whereabouts of MW; (2) whether the police inadvertently notified PA and/or others of the whereabouts of MW; and (3) whether the police knew or ought to have known that an attack would or might take place and whether steps could or should have been taken to prevent it.
The family’s hopes were shattered when the Coroner later determined that there was insufficient evidence to maintain Article 2 engagement and directed the jury to return a neutral narrative conclusion.
2025: Judicial Review
The Rizvi family continue to seek justice and accountability. They are now pursuing a Judicial Review against the Coroner’s decision to disengage Article 2 and to challenge what issues should have been left to the jury to determine as fact. A High Court Judge has since determined that it would be inappropriate for permission to be considered on the papers having considered the history, complexity and issues at stake for all involved.
This hearing is scheduled to take place on 4 November 2025 at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The Rizvi family’s pursuit of justice remains ongoing and further updates will follow as proceedings unfold.
