Sheku Bayoh ‘fought with Mikaeel Kular’s father’

Mr Bayoh died in police custody in May following an incident in Kirkcaldy during which a female officer was injured. An investigation into his death is currently being carried out by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc).

Peter Watson, the lawyer representing the officers involved in the incident, yesterday called for answers following allegations Mr Bayoh had been involved in a “brawl” with Zahid Saeed before his death.

Mr Saeed, a friend of Mr Bayoh’s, is the father of Mikaeel Kular, who was last year killed by his mother, Rosdeep Adekoya.

Michael Kular's father Zahid Saeed. Picture: Andrew O'Brien

In a statement, Mr Watson welcomed comments from former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill who said he believed the investigation into Mr Bayoh’s death would eventually show the incident had been “a tragic accident”, with “no criminality” involved.

Mr Watson said: “The information which has come into the public domain suggests there was a fight in a house and that Sheku Bayoh had taken drugs.

“This information will shape some of the questions which must be answered.”

He added: “I doubt these questions will be answered until evidence is given in court by all those involved but my hope is that until then, the Pirc and the Crown are allowed to complete their investigation in an atmosphere free of orchestrated media events and unsubstantiated allegations.”

Aamer Anwar, the Bayoh family solicitor, said: “Peter Watson forgets Sheku Bayoh’s family have seen his dead body, they have seen his multiple horrific injuries, they have seen the CCTV and mobile footage, they have seen Sheku brought to the ground within 30 seconds of four officers arriving never to get up again alive and his family have seen the Crown’s own post-mortem report. Importantly none of this information is in Mr Watson’s possession.”

A spokesman for the Pirc said: “The ongoing investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh is complex and wide-ranging and all relevant lines of inquiry are being objectively explored.

“All information gathered will be submitted to the Lord Advocate for his consideration.”