Jury at inquest into death that triggered riots across UK told they are on quest for truth

Mr Duggan was killed when he was shot by police who stopped the taxi in which he was travelling in Tottenham, north London, in August 2011.

Local outrage at the police shooting marked the start of a wave of rioting, looting and arson across the UK.

The coroner, Judge Keith Cutler, told the jury: “It is a quest to find the truth. This may sound rather grand but it is in fact an important task and one which may take us a little time.”

Several relatives and loved ones of Mr Duggan attended the hearing, and his mother, Pamela, left in tears during the afternoon session.

Judge Cutler said the jury would have to answer a number of questions, including whether Mr Duggan was lawfully killed.

“It may be the case that the heart of your considerations will be whether Mark Duggan was killed lawfully or unlawfully,” the coroner said.

“There is no dispute that Mark Duggan sadly died as a result of a bullet fired by a police officer. You will hear evidence from that officer.”

He added: “We will no doubt all listen with particular care to his explanations for his actions.”

The coroner held a short silence in Court 73 as a mark of respect for Mr Duggan’s family, and to acknowledge the “regrettable loss of a young life”.

The 11 jurors are due to visit the area where Mr Duggan died on Thursday.