The family of Sheku Bayoh have met with Scotland's top prosecutor over claims about Mr Bayoh's health before he died.

The move comes after US pathologist Dr Steven Karch was reported as saying after he examined the body of Mr Bayoh that there was evidence of heart disease.

It was reported Mr Bayoh had taken the drug ecstasy.

The death of Mr Bayoh in police custody on May 3 is under investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.

Aamer Anwar, Mr Bayoh's family's lawyer, called for the meeting with Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland because he felt the expert should not have disclosed such claims.

Dr Karch was said to have examined the potential that Mr Bayoh suffered "excited delirium" - a contentious condition - but this was thought unlikely.

Mr Anwar said: “In September when the Lord Advocate met with the Bayoh family, he was advised of serious concerns over the selection of experts as well as the conduct of Pirc investigators.

"In our jurisdiction it is a well established practice that independent experts instructed by the Crown do not under any circumstances speak to the media whilst there are pending court proceedings."

He added: "The family believe at this critical stage of the investigation if there is even the slightest hint of impropriety, then Pirc must take robust action if she is genuine about her ‘commitment to carrying out a thorough and robust independent investigation to get to the truth of the matter'."

A spokesman for the Crown Office said: "The Lord Advocate has held a positive meeting with the family of Sheku Bayoh and was able to provide an update as to the status of the investigation.

“It wouldn’t be appropriate for the Crown to divulge the details of this private discussion."

He added: "The Lord Advocate, however, reiterated his commitment to keeping the family informed of developments and further meetings will be held in due course."