Essex: Family left ‘traumatised’ after father’s death was Tasered by police

A family devastated by the death of a father of three has demanded answers after a police officer Tased him “multiple times”.

Sali Byberi, 29, died last month after officers were called around 11:30am to investigate a “disturbance” at his home in Braintree, Essex.

They had been called to the Clock House Way residence two hours earlier to investigate an incident, details of which were not made public.

Body cam footage reviewed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) suggests Byberi, a manager at a Sudbury car wash, “assaulted” an officer.

When he reportedly resisted arrest, an officer “incapacitated” him with a stun gun “several times” before he became unwell, according to the IOPC.

Officers stayed with Byberi until paramedics arrived – however, Byberi died at the scene around 1:15pm.

Speaking to her attorneys at Irwin Mitchell yesterday, Byberi’s family described the “trauma” they have endured in the weeks since his death.

Sister Eli Sokolaj said, “We still can’t quite believe what happened and how Sali was taken from us.

“The last few weeks and trying to come to terms with his death and the fact that he will no longer be in our lives, but especially his children’s, have been incredibly traumatic.

“It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the pain and hurt we’re feeling.

“We have so many questions and all we really hope for now is that we get some answers.”

Byberi’s partner Lenora Mafra, 31, now has to raise her three children Akil (8), Egilson (6) and Fabio (5).

“Sali was such a loving person. He was very family oriented and loved his Leonora and children,” added Sokolaj.

“He was also hardworking, outgoing and generous, and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He was always there when people needed help.”

Essex Police referred the incident to the IOPC and launched an investigation.

Watchdog director Amanda Rowe expressed her “sympathy” to Byberi’s loved ones.

“When a person dies after contact with the police, it is important that we conduct a thorough and independent investigation into all the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” she said.

Rowe said IOPC forensic investigators combed the scene and attended police proceedings after the incident to hear officers present their reports.

“We will continue to collect evidence so that we can piece together the events that took place,” she added.

Julietspender, a human rights attorney at Irwin Mitchell who supports Byberi’s family, said: “While it is only right that a thorough investigation into the incident be conducted, Sali’s family understandably have a number of concerns about the events that unfolded on the day of his death .

“We are supporting the family now at this distressing time to investigate the circumstances of Sali’s death and give them the answers they deserve.”

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