Family and friends of an Indigenous man who died in police custody have gathered for a vigil outside a Queensland inquest.

Steven Lee Nixon-McKellar, 27, died shortly after having pressure applied to his neck while being apprehended by a senior constable outside a relative’s house in Toowoomba on October 7, 2021.

About 40 people gathered outside Toowoomba Courthouse on Monday for a Black Lives Matter rally to mark 551 Indigenous deaths that organisers say have died in custody since a royal commission made its recommendations in 1991.

An inquest into Mr Nixon-McKellar’s death, his mental health and drug abuse treatment as well as police training around neck restraints is being held in the courthouse.

A banner featuring Mr Nixon-McKellar’s face and a call to “Stop Black deaths in custody” was raised in front of the court.

Flowers and candles were arranged on the footpath to spell out the number 551.

Mr Nixon-McKellar’s mother Raelene has previously said she had no great hopes for the inquest given the outcome of other investigations into Indigenous deaths in custody.

“We’re not going in expecting (justice) because I don’t think I can handle the disappointment if we don’t get it,” Ms Nixon said.

Three Queensland police officers and an Ethical Standards Command detective were due to give evidence to the inquest, with hearings due to finish on Friday.

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Aboriginal Counselling Services 0410 539 905

– AAP