British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Tuesday that an independent investigation committee is probing the mistaken killing of a Brazilian citizen in London, Britain's capital.

During telephone talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Blair expressed his regret again at the shooting of the Brazilian citizen, Jean Charles de Menezes.

The prime minister told the president that Britain was going through difficult times as a result of terrorist acts.

Lula expressed his understanding of Britain's current situation. However, he emphasized that Britain must adopt effective measures to prevent such incidents and avoid the killing of innocent people.

Besides, Lula also informed Blair of his conversation with Menezes' family and the pain brought to the family by the killing.

Menezes, 27, was shot eight times by armed officers at the Stockwell Underground station in London on July 22.

The Brazilian government issued a statement to express shock over the killing. The statement also demanded that British police launch a thorough investigation into the incident.

Source: Xinhua