The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Sheku family call for public support in their fight for answers from police
Confirmation police statements have now been taken by investigators
The police watchdog tasked with investigating the death of Sheku Bayoh has concluded interviews with all officers who were at the scene.
A spokesperson for the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) confirmed details had been taken from those on duty during the incident that claimed the life of the Kirkcaldy father-of-two on May 3.
Mr Bayoh’s family are demanding answers over the death in custody.
His cousin, Kadija George, who has launched an online petition to be handed to Chief Constable Sir Stephen House, said the fight for the truth had only just begun.
“The power of the community is so important in such situations,” she said. “We need the people of Kirkcaldy and all of Scotland to demand and make a noise and the rest of us will support.”
So far, the petition has been signed by almost 5,000 people.
The PIRC said it was considering new information gathered during its investigation.
The statement follows an appeal for the drivers of nine vehicles identified on CCTV to come forward.
Further witnesses are being sought, although all of the police involved have been interviewed.
Mr Bayoh, a Sierra Leone national, died on May 3 after being detained by police in Hayfield Road.
Officers said they had responded to reports of a man wielding a knife in the street and claimed he attacked a female officer.
That version of events has been disputed by Mr Bayoh’s family, who described him as a peaceful man and maintained he had been beaten by police who also used CS and Pava sprays.
The PIRC has been unable to say how long the investigation will take, but given the complexity of the case it could be several months.
A spokesman said: “The PIRC has received an encouraging response from the public following the recent appeal for the drivers of nine vehicles identified on CCTV to come forward.
“This has provided us with information which will be considered along with information gathered to date in the investigation.
“We would still urge anyone recognising their own vehicle, or the vehicle of someone they know, from the images or footage to contact PIRC investigators on 01698 543291”
Mr Bayoh was buried in Kirkcaldy on June 7 despite two post mortems failing to determine a cause of death.