The Scottish Police Federation has accused the lawyer of Sheku Bayoh's family of "bizarre" and "inaccurate" hyperbole.
The 31 year old father of one died in police custody in Kirkcaldy on Sunday 3 May, with his family and their counsel Aamer Anwar heavily critical of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) enquiry of the officers conduct.
Brian Docherty, Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Mr Anwar can try to throw whatever mud he wishes but the fact remains that a petite female police officer was violently assaulted by a large male and believed she was going to die as a consequence.
“In directing increasingly hyperbolic, inaccurate and bizarre rhetoric at the Scottish Police Federation, one could be mistaken for believing that Mr Anwar being at the centre of attention appears to be of greater importance than allowing the investigation to proceed without interference.”
The independent (PIRC) is carrying out a probe into the incident.
Professor Peter Watson, the federation’s legal advisor said: “The comments made by those representing the family of the deceased continue to promote a completely inaccurate and misleading account. “The officer injured remains off work, has had several hospital visits and is now in rehabilitation. An examination by a leading consultant confirms her injuries were significant. The injuries have been documented and photographed.
“The officers involved have never refused to provide statements. It was agreed at the outset with PIRC that they would revert to us when they wanted statements and when they were clear on the basis that statements were to be given. PIRC emailed me this morning at 10:46am asking for our assistance to organise interviews and we answered at 11:29am confirming we would be pleased to assist. Those are the facts.”
On Facebook, family members said; "It seems the police officers that were in direct contact with Sheku when he lost his life are poised to provide evidence to [the] PIRC. We trust that [the] PIRC will eventually uncover the truth so that justice can be served."
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