An investigation is under way today into the death of a man being held in police custody in Northern Ireland.
John Brady (40) died in Strand Road station in Derry yesterday.
He had been arrested in the city on Friday night in relation to an alleged assault incident.
Northern Ireland’s Police Ombudsman Al Hutchinson is now examining the circumstances of his death.
“We will be interviewing all police officers and other witnesses who may have been in contact with Mr Brady in the time leading up to his death,” he said.
“Once we are in possession of all of the facts we will be able to inform the family and the wider public about how this tragic death happened.”
The Ombudsman said a post-mortem examination on Brady’s body is due to take place tomorrow morning.
“Our investigators are continuing to liaise with the family and I appreciate that it is a difficult time for them at present,” said Mr Hutchinson, conveying his condolences.
“As my office does in all cases like this in which someone dies in police custody, we have launched a detailed independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances of this tragic death.
“We are currently gathering all the evidence and information we need in order to determine those circumstances.
“At the conclusion of my investigation we will inform the coroner and publish a report detailing our findings.”
The death comes only days after four prison service medics were suspended from duty following an investigation into the death of an inmate inside the high security Maghaberry jail in Co Antrim.
He was the second Maghaberry inmate to kill himself in little over 12 months.
PA