The family of Mr Menezes told the Brazilian media there was nothing in his past which would give him a reason to run from police.

Mr Menezes’ cousin, Alex Alves, told O Globo television: “I asked that the body be released as quickly as possible, we need to bring him to Brazil, which is what the family wants”.

“He does not have a past that would make him run from police,” he said.

Mr Alves said Mr Menezes, who was from the city of Gonzaga in Minas Gerais state, had lived in London legally for at least three years and was employed as an electrician. Civil rights groups have called for a full inquiry into the shooting.

Jean Charles de Menezes. He was 27, a citizen of Brazil, with a family. He was shot in the London Underground by police in plainclothes, the day after a round of attempted bombings failed.

And a British police officer known to his collegues and family, will live with Mr. de Meneze’s death the rest of his life. He faced a nightmare scenario and will awaken and sleep with his nightmare.

I’ve seen some real trash talk on some god-blogs today, and it and sickens me. One was British, one was in the US. Anger, fear, false bravado, human reactions to intolerable events. Job’s friends.

Scotland Yard said Mr Menezes, who lived in Brixton, south London, was completely unconnected to the bomb attacks and added: “For somebody to lose their life in such circumstances is a tragedy and one that the Metropolitan Police Service regrets.”

It is appropriate the Brazilian foreign minister meet with the UK foreign secretary.
It is appropriate Scotland Yard apologize and review it’s policies.
It is appropriate the British people give input and have their say in any inquiry they deem fit.
It is appropriate that Mr. de Mendeze’s body be released to his family as quickly as possible.

That may be too PC for some - there are times and seasons and events when we are not to sit in the seat of the scornful.