THE inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh in Police Scotland custody resumed today, hearing police evidence branded contradictory and evasive by campaigners.

Mr Bayoh died in Kirkcaldy on May 3 2015 after being batoned to the head and then restrained face down on the ground with six officers  — weighing a total of over half a tonne  — on top of him while handcuffed and tied at the legs and ankles, a restraint known to present a risk of suffocation.

Campaigners and the family of Mr Bayoh have long suspected what his families’ legal team, led by Aamer Anwar, has described as conscious or unconscious in their biases in officers’ response.

Mr Anwar said earlier this year that “the issue of race flows through the river of this inquiry” and in May, former Police Scotland chief constable Sir Iain Livingstone admitted the force he led for almost five years was institutionally racist.

Before evidence began earlier today, campaigners joined the family outside the inquiry’s Edinburgh site to hold a vigil, hearing speeches, singing, and standing in silent solidarity with the Bayoh family.

Proceedings, chaired by Lord Bracadale, got under way with the cross-examination of a PC Fraser.

PC Fraser’s account of his guarding of a scene related to the incident appeared to contradict two earlier statements he made, and once again the question of unconscious bias reared its head when he referred to “cultural dress” and told the inquiry he didn’t recall any of his equality and diversity training.

One campaigner who has supported the family throughout, Professor Phil Taylor, told the Star: “The evidence we heard today from PC Fraser again revealed the contradictory, evasive and questionable evidence of police witnesses since the start of the inquiry.

“We heard three different versions of events from one witness today — and he’s just the latest in a long line of witnesses whose evidence has prompted more questions about this than have ever been answered.”

Addressing the 100-strong vigil, Mr Bayoh’s sister Kadi Johnson took the chance to pay tribute to those who had supported her family.

She said: “You are the reason that gives me the strength to come here all the time to this inquiry.

“You are the reason that encourages me, that strengthens me to be here today, so I want to thank you on behalf of myself and my mum and the rest of the Bayoh family.”