The inquest into the shooting of Tulse Hill resident Jean Charles de Menezes has opened today.

Mr de Menezes, a Brazilian electrician was shot dead by armed police at Stockwell Tube station at 10.06am on July 21, 2005.

Officers had mistaken Mr de Menezes for a suicide bomber and shot him dead on a train which was stationary on platform two.

Coroner Sir Michael Wright started proceedings, expected to last three months, by outlining the inquest’s role – “to search for the truth”.

Sir Wright said: “It must be stated at the outset of this inquest that Mr Menezes was in no way associated with bombs, explosive devices or any form of terrorism.

“That statement, in a nutshell, is the fastest possible summary into the matter of this inquest.

“There are four questions we are here to answer. Who, where and when he died – they will all be easy. The fourth question is a much wider one and that is the question of how Mr Menezes came by his death.

“There is no prosecution, no defence, just a search for the truth.”

It is thought the court will hear from some 75 witnesses including some police officers granted anonymity and Tube passengers.