The police watchdog investigating the death of Kirkcaldy father Sheku Bayoh will consider fresh allegations made against one of the arresting officers.
It has been reported that the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) will look into claims of violence and racism relating to PC Alan Paton.
A spokeswoman for Pirc, Kate Frame, said the allegations would form part of the “complex and wide-ranging” investigation into Mr Bayoh’s death in custody in May.
She added: “The commissioner fully empathises with the deceased’s family and has reassured them that she and her team of investigators are objectively exploring all relevant lines of inquiry.
“Any appropriate further action arising from the findings of our investigation, including the consideration of criminal proceedings, will be a matter for the lord advocate to decide upon.”
Mr Bayoh, originally from Sierra Leone, died after being arrested and restrained in Kirkcaldy in May.
Collette Bell, Mr Bayoh’s partner and the mother of his eight-month-old son Isaac, said: “They’re supposed to be trained in restraint. They should have the knowledge and ability to deal with those people appropriately without having to beat them to a pulp.
“There are ways and means to restrain somebody without killing them.
Mr Bayoh’s family has questioned whether Pirc can properly hold Police Scotland to account.
A post-mortem examination revealed a series of injuries over the body, face and head, including a deep gash across his forehead
According toa report by the BBC, Mr Bayoh, a trainee gas engineer, had taken the drug ecstasy prior to his confrontation with the police.
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Kate Thomson said: “It would be inappropriate to comment as there is an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sheku Bayoh’s death which is currently being carried out by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner and they have submitted an interim report to the Crown Office.
“Police Scotland remains committed to co-operating fully with the Pirc’s inquiries.
“I would like to again offer my condolences to Sheku’s family and we await the conclusion of the investigation.”
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