OFFICERS investigating the death of a man in custody are following a "number of leads" after an early morning canvas of motorists a week on from the incident.
Investigators from the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) stopped dozens of cars and pedestrians near Sheku Ahmed Tejan Bayoh's home in Kirkcaldy between 6.30am and 7.30am yesterday as they continue to probe the 32-year-old's death.
The witness canvassing was carried out to coincide with the exact time of the incident, one week on.
Police were called to Mr Bayoh's home in Hayfield Road early on May 3 and arrested him in relation to an incident there. He was detained but died in custody shortly afterwards.
A female police officer had to be taken to hospital after being injured in the incident.
Police have refuse to discuss the circumstances surrounding his death while the independent investigation is under way.
Yesterday, Pirc investigators carried out traffic stops and approached passing pedestrians in order to identify any potential witnesses who may have information that could contribute to the unit's investigation into Mr Bayoh's death.
A spokeswoman for Pirc said: "Several dozen cars were stopped and we have a number of leads that will be followed up this week, so it has been a successful morning. We would still appeal to the public though that if anyone has any information which could help the inquiry, to please come forward."
Follow-up interviews will be carried out this week with witnesses identified by the canvas as having potentially useful information.
Mr Bayoh, who has family in Sierra Leone, had lived in the UK for almost 10 years. He had become a father in January when his partner gave birth to a baby boy.
Race campaigners said an independent inquiry was needed to establish the "full facts" of the case.
Adnan Miyasar, chairman of Fairness, Race Awareness and Equality (FRAE) Fife said: "There are conflicting stories from what happened.
"One said there was a knife then there wasn't a knife. From a responsibility point of view we want to see what an independent inquiry to say, as this happened in a police station."
He said the organisation had a good relationship with the police.
"We know personally the Chief Superintendent Garry McEwen and we are are sure he will go into it. We trust they will take the proper action," he 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."
Mr Mcwan, Fife divisional commander chief superintendent, said: "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."
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