Smiley Culture died during a police raid inside his Surrey home.

Earlier this year Reggae star Smiley Culture (real name David Emanuel) died during a police raid inside his home on March 15 in Surrey and according to the MET died from a stab wound to the chest while “making a cup of tea”.

This tragic and highly suspect incident is currently being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) but because of the lack of progress and concerns from the community/Emanuel family the IPCC Commissioner for the south-east Mike Franklin has issued this statement.

‘Our team of investigators has been working hard to gather and analyse all available evidence. I understand that people are frustrated they do not have access to the ‘full story’ yet.

‘It is very frustrating for me not to be able to simply put on public record everything we have discovered so far. But we have to accept all the evidence we gather during our investigation will be heard at the inquest into Mr Emanuel’s death and we cannot risk prejudicing that process.

‘Her Majesty’s Coroner for Surrey has confirmed that the inquest will be heard by a jury. That is the right arena for the evidence to be tested in public.

‘It is also important to understand that there are two sets of criminal proceedings which are ongoing and it is unlikely that the inquest will be able to be heard before they are concluded.

‘I have met with representatives of Mr Emanuel’s family and their lawyer to provide an investigation update and to try to address the questions and concerns. I will continue to do this, as well as meeting with the Community Reference Group.

‘However, I have a responsibility to balance the need to share information, with the need to avoid adversely affecting other judicial processes, and I ask for continued patience and assure you that our findings will be made public as soon as we can legally and legitimately do so.’

Rest In Peace David Emanuel aka Smiley Culture.