Sheku Family: 'Make Officers Talk After Custody Deaths'

The law in Scotland must be changed to require police officers to provide statements as soon as they return to their station after a death in custody.

The family of Sheku Bayoh are calling for the change in the law. He died after being detained by 9 officers using batons, CS spray and handcuffs in the Hayfield Road area of Kirkcaldy on May 4th. Officers have taken more than a month to co-operate with the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC), according to the family's lawyer, Aamer Anwar. At a press conference following Sheku's funeral on Sunday afternoon, he called on cross-party support from Holyrood for it to be mandatory for officers to provide operational statements on their return to station after a death in custody. In England, police must make an operational statement immediately after a custodial fatality, followed by a more detailed statement no more than 48 hours later.

'Peaceful and dignified'

The conference followed a peaceful procession from the spot on Hayfield Road where Sheku was detained.

Around 300 people with banners and placards marched towards Kirkcaldy police station led by relatives of Sheku, including his partner Collette Bell with their 5 month old son Issac. As requested by the family of the deceased, peace and dignity was respected.

Outside the station, Aamer Anwar addressed the crowd. A two minute silence was held, followed by chants of "we want justice" and "we want answers".

There were tears as the funeral procession reached St Mary's Road Mosque. The family were consoled by mourners as prayers were offered in private and outside for the public.

Sheku was later laid to rest at Dysart cemetery.