Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Ian Blair has died at the age of 72.
The senior officer led the London force between 2005 and 2008 – and was at the forefront of the response to the 7/7 Tube bombings that killed 52 people.
He was also in charge when, two weeks later, armed officers shot dead Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes, after mistaking him for a terror suspect.
Lord Blair’s death was announced tonight by the University of Oxford‘s Christ Church College, where he studied English.
A spokesman said: ‘The Christ Church community would like to extend its condolences to the family of Ian Blair, The Lord Blair of Boughton QPM, who has died at the age of 72.’
Born in Chester, Lord Blair joined the Met in 1974 as part of its graduate entry scheme.
He started working as a Constable in central London and after ten years working on the beat, he quickly rose up the ranks.
Lord Blair became a Detective Chief Inspector in 1985 and responded to the devastating Kings Cross Fire which killed 31 people.
Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Ian Blair has died at the age of 72
The senior officer led the London force between 2005 and 2008 – and was at the forefront of the response to the 7/7 Tube bombings that killed 52 people
Lord Blair is pictured with Doreen Lawrence
He was appointed commissioner of the force in February 2005 just months before London was targeted by four suicide bombers.
Fifty two people died in the horrific attacks on the capital’s transport network which unfolded 20 years ago this week.
Two weeks later, firearms officers shot dead Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell Underground station, after mistaking him for a terror suspect.
While Lord Blair was cleared of any personal wrongdoing, he faced backlash about the shooting for the remainder of his time as commissioner.
The Met Police was found to have breached health and safety laws over the shooting at Stockwell Station in south London.
In his 2008 letter of resignation from the Met, Lord Blair said: ‘It has been the proudest task of my life to lead the men and women of the Metropolitan Police.
‘It is the duty of the commissioner to lead the Met through good times and bad: To accept the burdens and pressures of office and, above all, to be a steward of the service he commands.’
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