Sheku: Officers Must Be Questioned

The lawyer representing the family of a Fife man who died in police custody says the case cannot continue until officers have given their side of the story to investigators.

Aamer Anwar is acting on behalf of Sheku Bayoh's family. He says it 'beggars belief' that Police Scotland still hasn't provided information to the investigations and review commissioner.

He also says it's 'worrying' that officers involved in the case remain at their desks or in contact with members of the public, despite being subject to an investigation:

Sheku Bayoh died after being arrested in the Hayfield Road area of Kirkcaldy on the morning of Sunday, 3rd May. He was restrained with handcuffs, following which he lost conciousness. CID officers on the scene attempted CPR, but he was declared dead at Victoria Hospital.

The investigation is being dealt with by the PIRC, who will submit their findings to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

                                                              Aamer Anwar with Sheku Bayoh's family at a press conference in Edinburgh

Brian Docherty, Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation said:

“The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) recognises that the family of Sheku Bayoh is mourning his death and that this is a painful process. The SPF does not wish to add to that pain by making unhelpful comments to the press. We are saddened that his legal representatives appear not to take the same approach. We are also saddened that his legal representatives are inferring police officers should not have the same legal protections as any other member of the public.

"I very much regret that Mr Bayoh sadly lost his own life following this incident but innuendo and speculation whilst the independent investigation is ongoing adds nothing other than to the pain and grief of the family. We make no apology for standing up for the rights of police officers and we continue to extend to the family and friends of Mr Bayoh our sincere condolences.”

In a statement, the PIRC said: “The Police Investigations & Review Commissioner continues its independent investigation into the death of Sheku Ahmed Tejan Bayoh in Kirkcaldy on the morning of 3 May 2015.

"The PIRC is making good progress in its investigation and the public response to appeals for information has been very positive. The PIRC has appointed dedicated family liaison officers who keep in close contact with the family of Sheku Bayoh and their lawyer Mr Aamer Anwar.

"The PIRC will submit the findings of its investigation to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.”