The family of a 32-year-old father whose death in Inverness is at the centre of a police watchdog probe have been left “devastated” by the tragedy.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) is focusing on “police contact” prior to the death of Stephen Craigon, from Paisley, at the weekend.
A statement released by Pirc on behalf of Mr Craigon’s family said: “Stephen was a loving father, son and brother and his death has been a tremendous shock.
“As a family we are devastated. We are now trying to come to terms with Stephen’s death and would ask for our privacy to be respected so that we can continue to support each other through this difficult time.”
Colleagues have also been left “shell-shocked” by the tragedy.
Mr Craigon was working for Stirling-based construction firm The Fraser Bruce Group at a salmon farm development on Loch Ness-side. He was staying in leased accommodation with colleagues at West Heather Road in Lochardil where police attended on Saturday evening following reports of a disturbance.
Jamie Bruce, of The Fraser Bruce Group, said: “It is a real tragedy. We are a small, close-knit business and the guys are devastated.”
Police officers called to the scene initially took Mr Craigon to New Craigs Hospital in Leachkin, on the western outskirts of Inverness – a move understood to have been prompted by his behaviour at the time.
However, his condition is believed to have deteriorated and he was rushed to the accident and emergency unit at the city’s Raigmore Hospital, where he died.
The Pirc launched a probe into the circumstances of the incident on the instruction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
A Pirc spokeswoman said: “The Pirc is carrying out an investigation into the police contact with a 32-year-old man prior to his death in Inverness on Saturday, October 14.”