Sheku Funeral Held Today In Kirkcaldy

Sheku Bayoh, the Kirkcaldy man who died after being detained by police last month, is being laid to rest today.

The funeral Is taking place in his home town from midday.

From Midday, mourners will gather at the spot on Hayfield road where he was arrested. They'll march from down Hendry Road and Bennochy Road to St Mary's Road mosque - via Kirkcaldy Police Station, where a 5 minute silent protest will take place.

Sheku's family have called for calm ahead of the event, saying they want "a peaceful, dignified farewell."

Independent PIRC investigatiors are examining the events that led to Sheku's death. The police say a female officer was badly injured as the arrest took place. The family of Sheku are unhappy at the lack of clarity from officers, who it emerged this week are only now co-operating with investigators, one month after the incident.

Chief Superintendant Garry McEwan, Local Police Commander for Fife Division, said: 

“Police Scotland is aware that Sheku Bayoh’s funeral is to take place and I am personally liaising with the family regarding funeral arrangements.
 
“I would again like to take this opportunity to publicly offer my condolences to the family and we continue to offer support to them as required. Like the family, Police Scotland awaits the findings from the independent investigation being led by the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner.”