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The family of Henry Hicks confronted Britain’s most senior police officer on Friday over the teenager’s death following a police road chase in 2014, as it emerged that the officers involved in the pursuit will probably not face criminal charges.

Speaking at a public meeting, Henry’s sister Claudia told Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe: “I think it’s just disgusting the way no one has been held to account over my brother’s death, and [these] four officers are still at work.”

Henry, 18, from Angel, died after his moped crashed into cars belonging to members of the public in Wheelwright Street, next to Pentonville Prison, on December 19, 2014. He was being pursued by two unmarked police cars.

The Met chief had come to Islington Assembly Hall to answer residents’ questions and concerns about crime here and in neighbouring Camden.

Claudia, 24, who is spearheading the Justice for Henry Hicks campaign, told him: “They chased him in two unmarked cars, yet he wasn’t committing a crime when they started to chase him.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched an investigation following Henry’s death. The watchdog referred its findings to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in October last year, saying the actions of the four officers involved in the chase may constitute driving offences.

But the CPS has decided to take no further action, Sir Bernard told the meeting.

The Tribune has learned this decision is now subject to a review following a request by the Hicks family – though it is unclear whether that would be enough to reverse it.

Sir Bernard said road chases presented a “dangerous situation”. “There are various ways in which we train people and use our operating systems to try to reduce the chance of people getting hurt,” he said.

“But it’s a dangerous situation when we get involved in chases and mopeds, as they got more powerful over the years, and they’re difficult things to keep up with. It’s a big challenge to do it properly and to do it safely.”

He added: “For the Hicks family, I’m sorry about the loss of your son and in this case, your family. And I know that nothing I can say or do will fill that void.”

Henry’s father David, 54, asked the Met chief why his son had been stopped and searched so often in the years leading up to his death – an issue which is subject to a second IPCC investigation.

“My son was stopped [and searched] 156 times in three years,” he said. “Nevertheless, he never had a conviction so can you tell me why my son got stopped 156 times?”

Henry’s father also told Sir Bernard he had tried to arrange a meeting with former borough commander Gerry Campbell for three years to raise concerns over Henry being stopped and searched, adding that he was only able to meet the current borough commander, Catherine Roper, after his son’s death.

Claudia added: “Maybe if you had taken us more seriously from the beginning, then my brother would still be alive.”

Sir Bernard replied: “I’m not going to give you a straight answer about whether it [the stops and searches] was right or wrong, because the IPCC are looking into that and they have to decide that.”

Responding to the question over why the officers involved in the pursuit were still working, the Met chief added: “You may not agree, I accept that, but they weren’t entirely free to go and police in the normal way, so all I can say is that in this case a suspension wasn’t appropriate and restricted duties were.”

The officers have been served with gross misconduct notices by the IPCC, which means they could still be disciplined by the Met. Such notices do not imply guilt but are to inform officers that their behaviour and conduct are under investigation and the level of severity.

A jury inquest into Henry’s controversial death is due to start on June 13 – almost a year after it was initially scheduled. Camden Council told the Tribune last week that the inquest had been moved to the Royal Courts of Justice but this week the authority said the case will be heard at St Pancras Coroner’s Court.

Dean Dunham, the Hicks family solicitor, said the barrister who is most likely to act for the family in court will be Nicholas Rhodes QC. Mr Rhodes is a defence advocate with a particular interest and experience in corporate crime. His practice includes advising and representing commercial organisations, company directors and other professionals.

He has defended in cases alleging murder, man­slaughter and off­ences involving serious organised crime, drugs trafficking and illegal arms trading.