AN independent public inquiry into the death of a man restrained by police is progressing with “focus and determination,” its chairman has said.

Sheku Bayoh died in May 2015 while being held by officers who were responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

The 32-year-old’s family claimed that race played a part in his death and criticised the subsequent investigation.

An inquiry into the tragedy was announced in November 2019 by Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and opened last November, led by Lord Bracadale.

Core participants are Mr Bayoh’s family, including his two sons, Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone and a number of officers and retired officers of the force.

Lord Bracadale said: “I am acutely aware that almost six years have passed since the death of Sheku Bayoh and, consequently, a lengthy period of time has elapsed without his family receiving answers to fundamental questions.

“I want to assure them, and all who have interest in the inquiry, that we are moving forward with focus and determination.”