Sheku Bayoh death: ‘Serious questions’ for police to answer, says leading lawyer

Leading human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar says Sheku Bayoh’s family believe they were “systematically lied to” by police after his death in Kirkcaldy at the weekend.

Mr Anwar, who is acting on behalf of the dead man’s family, told The Courier he wanted to ensure no stone was left unturned in the investigation into the 31-year-old’s death shortly after he was detained by police in the street.

He said Mr Bayoh’s family had yet to receive a full explanation of the weekend’s events, and added: “The family have real, serious concerns about what happened to Sheku.

“At this point, because there’s an investigation being carried out, it would be inappropriate to comment.

“However, the police in Kirkcaldy have some serious questions to answer and the family expect nothing other than an impartial and independent investigation.

“They will accept nothing less.”

Mr Anwar said he had heard nothing but good things about the dead man’s character.

“His family and friends have spoken of Sheku being a kind individual who had never been in trouble.”

Mr Anwar has been at the forefront of many high-profile Scottish court cases.

He acted for Tommy Sheridan in his noted perjury trial.