Sheku Bayoh's family meets Nicola Sturgeon

Relatives of a man who died in police custody earlier this year have met First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Sheku Bayoh, 31, died after being detained by officers called to an incident in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on 3 May.

The father-of-two's death is being investigated by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc).

The family renewed calls for a public inquiry during the meeting with Ms Sturgeon.

Relatives have been demanding answers over police conduct and Mr Bayoh's cause of death.

They have previously held talks with officials including Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC and Police Scotland chief constable Sir Stephen House.

'Compassion and support'

Mr Mulholland received an interim report into the circumstances surrounding the death from the Pirc in August.

Mr Bayoh's relatives met Ms Sturgeon and Justice Secretary Michael Matheson in Edinburgh on Tuesday morning.

The family's solicitor, Aamer Anwar, said relatives welcomed the first minister's "compassion and support".

He said the family did not believe that a fatal accident inquiry had the necessary remit to deal with "serious public concerns" and the wider issues surrounding the case.

Lines of inquiry

"Accordingly, on that basis, the family have this morning asked the Scottish government to consider the possibility of holding the form of a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act for which there is already legal precedent in Scotland.

"We understand from the first minister that serious consideration will now be given to such a request," he said.

A spokesman for the Pirc said the investigation was ongoing.

"The commissioner continues to work closely with the Lord Advocate to investigate all relevant lines of inquiry, including gathering further expert opinion in relation to the cause of death," he said.

"It would be inappropriate to go into further details during a live investigation."