Commissioner to investigate Fife death in custody

The father-of-two was arrested after police were called to a Kirkcaldy street near his home in the early hours of Sunday morning, and died shortly afterwards.

A female police officer was reportedly injured during the arrest, though no further details have been released.

A race awareness and equality group based in Fife has stated its support for an independent inquiry in order to unearth the truth of what happened.

Adnan Miyasar, chairman of Fairness, Race Awareness and Equality Fife (FRAE), said: “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.

“We wish the policewoman who was involved in the incident a quick recovery and full fitness.”

Fife’s divisional commander chief superintendent Garry McEwan told STV News: “This is a tragic set of circumstances and my condolences go to the man’s family.

“The investigation of deaths in Scotland is the responsibility of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, who have instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner to lead on this inquiry.”

A spokesperson for the PIRC said: “The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has directed the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) to carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 31-year-old Sheku Ahmed Tejan Bayoh in Kirkcaldy on Sunday, May 3 who had been detained by police shortly before his death.

“A report on the PIRC’s findings will be submitted to the COPFS in due course.

“As this is a live investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”