Watchdog to investigate death of fifth man at Kirkcaldy police station since 2015

A “much-loved” dad has become the fifth person to die at Kirkcaldy police station since 2015.

Scott Hooper passed away after becoming unwell while in custody at the station on January 22.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has ordered an investigation into the circumstances of the 35-year-old’s death.

A funeral notice shared online described Mr Hooper as a “loving” dad, son, stepson, brother and step-brother.

His death is being treated as unexplained by Police Scotland.

Kirkcaldy police station is where Sheku Bayoh died after he was restrained on the ground by six police officers on May 3, 2015.

An inquiry is investigating the circumstances of his death and whether race was a factor.

in 2020, Marc Hamilton, 36, was found dead in his cell at the same station.

Stephen ‘Spike’ Campbell then passed away in February 2022 after taking unwell at the station.

The 50-year-old is believed to have suffered a medical episode while waiting to be questioned by officers.

In April of the same year, Joseph Sneddon died while undergoing treatment at Victoria Hospital in police custody.

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “A 35-year-old man became unwell while in custody at Kirkcaldy Police Station on Monday, 22 January, 2024.

“Emergency services attended, however, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.

“A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal. As is standard procedure the matter has been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.”

Two other deaths following police involvement in January 2024 are being investigated by PIRC including the death of a 37-year-old man in Aberdeen on January 17 and a 42-year-old man in Paisley on January 11.