Police Seek Anonymity in Fatal Shooting Inquest

Surrey Police has formally applied for nine firearms officers to remain anonymous during the inquest into the fatal shooting of Joel Stenning. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 11, 2024, on Nursery Road in Knaphill, Surrey, where Stenning, a 29-year-old roofer, was shot. He later died on August 15, 2024, in a London hospital due to complications from the gunshot wound.

Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw argued at Surrey Coroner's Court that naming the officers could incite retribution from organized crime groups and cause distress to the officers and their families. He emphasized that such a disclosure cannot be undone and could impact their ability to provide evidence. The police force also suggested that anonymity is crucial for officers serving in specialist anti-terrorism roles.

The application is contested by Stenning's family and media organizations, who argue there is no evidence of a direct threat. The family's lawyer stated that granting anonymity without case-specific assessment would set a dangerous precedent, as giving evidence after a fatal shooting is part of an officer's duty. Senior coroner Richard Travers is expected to deliver his ruling on the anonymity bid within a few weeks. The inquest is scheduled to proceed over four weeks in 2027.