Gardaí tell George Nkencho inquest how they feared for their lives after he pulled out knife

The inquest also heard evidence about Mr Nkencho’s mental health issues from his two sisters

George Nkencho, aged 27, died after being shot by members of the Garda Armed Support Unit in the incident outside his family home at Manorfields Drive, Clonee, Co Dublin, on December 30, 2020, shortly after he had been involved in a disturbance at a nearby supermarket. File photo

Two gardaí who first confronted George Nkencho shortly before he was killed by two armed officers have recalled how they feared for their lives after he pulled out a knife and lunged towards them.

Sergeant Peter Nestor told an inquest into the fatal shooting of Mr Nkencho that he was left in no doubt that his life was in danger, while his colleague, Garda Shane Gallagher, admitted he was “terrified” when the deceased came towards him at speed.