A NUMBER of forensic experts have been drafted into help with a police watchdog's inquiry into the death of a man in police custody.
The forensic pathologists have been commissioned, on the instructions of the Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland, to further probe and give their opinion on how Sheku Bayoh died in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in May.
Mr Bayoh's family, who have been campaigning to find out how the 31-year-old died, will also take part.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc), who is conducting the probe, said Mr Bayoh's family has been asked to help in identifying additional experts following a meeting with commissioner Kate Frame.
Mr Bayoh, a father of two, died on May 3 after police were called over a man carrying a knife in the street. He was restrained by officers using CS Gas. He died following the incident which involved up up to nine officers and left a female constable injured.
Mr Bayoh's partner Collette Bell and his sister Kadijartu Johnson have been at the forefront of the campaign for information.
Aamer Anwar, the family's lawyer, said a number of concerns have already been raised with the Pirc, and that their confidence in the probe was "shattered".
He said: "The Bayohs spoke out because they believed Pirc's investigation was fatally flawed and more concerned about protecting the police from criticism, than holding them to account.
"The Bayohs demand justice and impartiality.
"They took no comfort in their belief that Pirc is unfit, under-resourced and lacking powers to investigate the death in custody of Sheku."
He added: "The family welcome the Scottish Government's national review of Police Scotland, but if it is to be more than a 'cosmetic exercise' then they cannot afford for Pirc to be seen publicly as a toothless regulator which only serves to whitewash police wrongdoing."
A post-mortem examination was inconclusive and it was reported there were family concerns that experts called in by investigators may blame a medical condition known as excited delirium, which has been cited in other custody deaths.
It is used to describe the state of a person who, as a result of mental illness or drug use, becomes agitated, violent and displays extreme strength.
The Pirc said the fact that forensic pathology experts from outside Scotland have been contacted is not a sign that it has focused its investigation on a particular cause of death and that all lines of inquiry are being explored to establish the circumstances.
A Pirc spokesman said Ms Frame updated the family on the work that has been undertaken to date in the investigation.
He said: "The family were also provided with updates regarding ongoing investigative work and given the opportunity to provide any information which they consider is relevant to the investigation.
“The commissioner considered that the meeting was constructive and welcomed the opportunity to listen to the family’s concerns and confirmed that they are being addressed through a robust investigation.
“Central to this is providing the family with a clear understanding of what caused Sheku Bayoh’s death, since the post mortem conducted shortly after was inconclusive."
He added: "To this end, a number of expert forensic pathologists have been commissioned, on the instructions of the Lord Advocate, to further investigate and provide an opinion on how Sheku Bayoh died.
“The commissioner invited the family to participate in the process of identifying additional experts.
“The commissioner reassured the family that she and her team of investigators are objectively exploring all lines of enquiry and has encouraged the family to contribute to that process."
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