Fairness, Race Awareness and Equality Fife want independent inquiry into death of local man in police custody
A campaign group is demanding answers from police after the death of a man in police custody.
Fairness, Race Awareness and Equality Fife (Frae), is calling for an independent inquiry into the death of 32-year-old Sheku Bayoh.
Police Scotland has launched an investigation but campaigners are demanding the full facts of the incident be revealed.
Karate enthusiast Bayoh was arrested following a disturbance at his Kirkcaldy home on Sunday and died in custody shortly afterwards.
A female police officer had to be taken to hospital after being injured in the incident.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) is now investigating the incident.
However, Adnan Miyasar, chairman of Frae Fife, said that while the group enjoyed an excellent relationship with police, an independent inquiry was the best way forward.
"It is very sad news,” he said.
"Our condolences go to the family, which has been known to Frae Fife for many years.
"We want to see what kind of support we can give them, maybe counselling or some kind of comfort. I don't know whether they are taking any action, but anyway we cannot intervene, it is up to them to take any action they want to take.
"We have a good relationship with the police and we know personally the chief superintendent Gary McEwen and we are sure he will go into it. We trust they will take the proper action.
"Frae has for many years worked closely with the police to address many issues and concerns that is important to the ethnic minority community.
"We acknowledge the hard work and strategic thinking of the chief superintendent in moving the equalities agenda in Fife.
"The loss of a young person is a difficult one, not just for his family but for the whole issue of equality in Fife and this is why we are asking for an independent inquiry.
“But regardless of the inquiry, the truth has to be found.”
A spokeswoman for the PIRC said: "A report on the PIRC's findings will be submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.
“As this is a live investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
