Garda Ombudsman examines death in custody

The Garda Ombudsman is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in his 70s while in custody at Westport Garda Station, Co. Mayo. The incident was referred to GSOC by the Garda Síochána under section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act at about 12.30pm this afternoon.

The man who was under arrest became unwell with breathing difficulties and CPR was administered by gardaí. A doctor and the emergency services were called and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The State Pathologist has been informed and a post-mortem is scheduled to take place in Castlebar in the coming days.

GSOC Investigators are at the scene and an independent examination is underway to establish the facts of the situation.

ENDS

Suzie Rafter
Communications Officer
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission