Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PROBE AFTER MAN DIES IN CUSTODY
PSNI launches appeal after death of tragic 26-yr-old linked to incident at bar
A MAN died while in police custody yesterday morning, it has been revealed.
The 26-year-old was being held at Musgrave Police Station and passed away in the early hours.
His death is being linked to an incident at The Chester on the Antrim Road in North Belfast on Sunday.
The bar was sealed off and forensic officers were at the scene. The Police Ombudsman is investigating.
Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said: “I am deeply concerned to learn about the death of a 26-year-old man in police custody and I extend my sympathies and thoughts to his family at this time.
“It is understood the young man died after midnight this morning following an incident on the Antrim Road where he was arrested. I spoke with senior police and this death was automatically referred to the Police Ombudsman who is now is in charge of an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding it.”
A spokesman for watchdog’s office added: “Police notified us of the man’s death and we commenced an immediate investigation into the circumstances.
“Our investigators have been at Musgrave Police Station throughout the night and are continuing to gather information about the course of events leading up to the death.
“We will be speaking to all potential witnesses, gathering forensic evidence, reviewing CCTV footage and securing all relevant PSNI documentation.
“A postmortem will be conducted in due course. The man’s name has not yet been released.”
Meanwhile, a PSNI spokesman said yesterday: “Police can confirm a man, aged 26 has died following medical treatment while in custody at Musgrave Police Station in the early hours of Monday. As is normal procedure, the office of the Police Ombudsman has been informed of the matter and has begun an investigation.
“The man was arrested on Sunday evening at around 9.30pm following reports of a disturbance at licensed premises on the Antrim Road.
“A police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disturbance is under way.
“Det Insp Stephen Harvey would ask anyone with any information which could assist detectives with their inquiries to contact them at Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference number 1561 of 8/7/18.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“As PONI are investigating, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”