Family of Sheku Bayoh are seeking public support for their fight for the truth about how he died in police custody.
An online petition demanding justice for the 31-year-old father-of-two has already gathered hundreds of backers.
Launched by his cousin Kadija George, the petition describes how Mr Bayoh had celebrated his niece’s birthday the day before he died in police custody in Kirkcaldy on the morning of Sunday May 3.
Police officers used batons, CS and PAVA spray, handcuffs and leg restraints on the gas engineer, who lost consciousness and died later in Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
His family say that in the hours after his death they were given several different accounts from Police Scotland of what happened.
A statement by his family accompanying the petition said: “Shek, as he was fondly known, was a warm, friendly and gentle person.
“Just a few hours earlier he was at his niece’s birthday party and sending his big sister a text message to wish her happy birthday.
“She didn’t know that would also be the last time she would hear from him.
“We still do not know how Shek died. We are disappointed, hurt and upset that the police refuse to give us clear information of what occurred.
“We need Shek to rest and then his family can also begin to heal. We cannot do this until the truth is known.”
Voicing grave concerns about the actions of Police Scotland, the statement goes on: “In demanding justice for Shek, we hope that justice can also be had for other families who have suffered in similar ways.”
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner is conducting an independent inquiry into circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Bayoh, who lived in Kirkcaldy’s Templehall area with partner Collette Bell and their four-month-old son Isaac. He also had a three-year-old son, Tyler.
Two of the UK’s top pathologists have been instructed by the family who are represented by high-profile lawyer Aamer Anwar to establish the cause of death.
Pathologists have also been instructed by the Crown but it is likely to be several weeks before the results of a post-mortem are known.
Both Police Scotland and the PIRC have declined to comment while the investigation continues.
Two fundraisers will be held in Kirkcaldy this weekend to support the family’s campaign.
A car wash will be held on Saturday at A1 on Pratt Street and, on Sunday, an event will be held at Blue Monday ’80s club, on High Street, for families from 5pm and for adults only from 8pm.