Smiley Culture died of single stab wound in police raid

Smiley Culture's singles included Cockney Translation and Police Officer

British reggae star Smiley Culture died of a single stab wound to the heart during a police raid at his home, a post-mortem examination has found.

The singer, whose real name was David Emmanuel, died at the property in Hillbury Road, Warlingham, on Tuesday.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is carrying out an investigation into his death.

His family expressed their "deep sorrow and anger" and said they were determined to find out what happened.

Relative Merlin Emmanuel said: "As a family we are in a state of shock and confusion and we are determined to search for the truth of what happened.

"My uncle David Emmanuel is now dead. He was a father, an uncle, a friend and a mentor to many and is a British icon who died under the most peculiar of circumstances."

The singer, whose biggest hit was 1984's Police Officer, died when Met Police officers carried out an arrest warrant at 0700 GMT.

Mr Emmanuel, 48, had been due to face trial next week accused of drugs charges.

'Under no illusion'

IPCC Commissioner for the South East Mike Franklin said: "I send my condolences to Mr Emmanuel's family and friends.

"I understand their concerns and am under no illusion about the seriousness of this case, its impact on them and the wider community.

"Many of the questions that I know Mr Emmanuel's family and friends have are exactly what we will be examining as part of this investigation."

Mr Franklin said investigators had gathered forensic evidence and taken detailed accounts from officers who took part in the raid.

The song Police Officer reached number 12 in the UK charts. Smiley Culture's other singles included Cockney Translation and Schooltime Chronicle.

The family told a press conference in Brixton, south London, they had been inundated with thousands of messages of support from across the world.