Probe over fifth police custody death since 2015

An investigation has begun into the death of a man in police custody in Fife.

Scott Hooper is the fifth person to die while being detained in Kirkcaldy since 2015.

Kirkcaldy police station is already linked to the independent public probe into the death of Sheku Bayoh nine years ago.

The Crown Office has ordered the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) to investigate Mr Hooper's death on 22 January this year.

The 35-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics having "become unwell".

A funeral notice posted online described Mr Hooper as a "loving dad" and "much-loved son".

Police Scotland said they were treating the death as unexplained, but added the matter had been referred to Pirc.

A spokesperson said it would issue the findings of its probe into Mr Hooper's death to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) when it concluded.

A COPFS spokesman confirmed the investigation had been ordered.

He added: "Mr Hooper's family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments."

Pirc's investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh is under scrutiny by a public inquiry after it resumed before Lord Bracadale in Edinburgh this week.

Mr Bayoh, 31, died after being restrained by officers in the town on 3 May 2015.

The inquiry is investigating the circumstances of his death, how police dealt with the aftermath, the subsequent investigation and whether race was a factor.

On 17 September 2020, Marc Webber, 36, died in his cell after being arrested for an alleged stabbing.

Stephen Campbell, 49, also died in his cell at the station on 23 February 2022 following a "medical episode".

Less than two months later, on 8 April, Joseph Sneddon, 37, died while undergoing treatment at Victoria Hospital in police custody.

Mr Sneddon's family later discovered he had sustained a total of 34 separate injuries prior to his death.

They said he had been restrained for up to four hours by six officers and two guards.