AN independent public inquiry into the death of a man who was restrained by police is progressing with “focus and determination”, its chairman has said.
Sheku Bayoh died in May 2015 while being held by officers who were responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife. The 32-year-old’s family claimed race played a part in his death and criticised the subsequent investigation. An inquiry into his death opened in November last year, led by Lord Bracadale with Michael Fuller and Raju Bhatt as assessors to support him.
In a video message, Lord Bracadale said: “I am acutely aware that almost six years have passed since the death of Sheku Bayoh and, consequently, a lengthy period of time has elapsed without his family receiving answers to fundamental questions.
“I want to assure them, and all who have interest in the inquiry, that we are moving forward with focus and determination.”
Lord Bracadale also confirmed that public hearings will be held at Capital House in central Edinburgh, although it is not yet possible to say when they will take place.
Core inquiry participants include Bayoh’s family, Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone and a number of officers and retired officers, the Lord Advocate and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.
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