The police watchdog carrying out an independent investigation into the death of Kirkcaldy man Sheku Bayoh is to set up road blocks and speak to pedestrians exactly a week after the incident.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) will carry out witness canvassing at the intersection of Hayfield Road and Hendry Road, Kirkcaldy, on Sunday between 6.30am and 7.30am.
The 31-year-old died in mysterious circumstances last Sunday morning having been detained by police shortly before his death.
Some witnesses claim Mr Bayoh, originally from Sierra Leone, had been seen waving a knife around before around 15 officers tackled him.
However, friends of the British Gas employee said he had no history of violence.
An independent probe into Mr Bayoh’s death is now being carried out by the Police Investigations and Review.
A PIRC spokesperson said: “PIRC investigators will facilitate traffic stops and approach passing pedestrians in order to identify any potential witnesses who may have information that could contribute to the PIRC investigation into the death.
“The PIRC will be assisted by police vehicles and road policing officers who will manage traffic flow.
“The contact details of any witnesses identified will be recorded by the PIRC and follow-up interviews carried out week beginning May 11, 2015.”
The PIRC has been liaising with the family and their solicitor Aamer Anwar to update them with the progress of the investigation.
Neither Police Scotland nor the PIRC have been able to give un update on the condition of the female police officer who was injured and taken to hospital following Sunday’s incident.
They were also unable to confirm or deny whether any police officers had been suspended in connection with the investigation.
At a gathering in Kirkcaldy on Wednesday night, the mother of Sheku Bayohmade an emotional appeal for “justice” following her son’s death.
Sheku’s family paid tribute to him at the spot in Kirkcaldy where the incident occurred.
Mr Bayoh’s mother addressed about 200 people gathered at the corner of Hayfield Road and Hendry Road, close to the Templehall home the father-of-two shared with partner Collette Bell and their three-month-old baby.
Earlier in the day grieving relatives met representatives of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.
Sources have suggested Mr Bayoh may have been the victim of positional asphyxiation while being restrained by up to 15 police officers.
The family’s solicitor, Aamer Anwar, said it was unacceptable that they had been given several different accounts of the circumstances leading to Mr Bayoh’s death.