POLICE SCOTLAND has ditched its legal bid to block a decision to widen the inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh in their custody — a day after it petitioned for a review.

Mr Bayoh died in Kirkcaldy on May 3 2015 after he was pepper-sprayed and battened to the ground before being bound hand and foot, fighting for breath under the weight of six police officers. 

Amid ongoing accusations of racist handling of the case, four years later an inquiry — still underway — under Lord Bracadale was convened.