Russian man found unconscious in garda cell

AN investigation is underway after a 51-year-old Russian was found lying unconscious with a head injury in a garda cell, little more than an hour after being arrested on suspicion of smashing windows and doors at an apartment block.

The man was said to be in critical condition in hospital last night.

At around 6.40am yesterday, gardaí were called to student apartments near Victoria Cross, in Cork city, after receiving reports of criminal damage. A short time later they arrested the man at nearby Carrigrohane Road in connection with the incident and took him to Togher garda station.

He arrived there at 7.05am and was placed in a cell on his own, where he was checked at regular intervals. However, at 8.20am the man was discovered to have lost consciousness and was lying on the cell floor.

Gardaí immediately alerted ambulance control and the man was rushed to Cork University Hospital.

The outside of Victoria Station, a new apartment block catering for students, was sealed off yesterday as gardaí carried out a technical examination.

Ted McNamara, the owner, estimated it would cost at least €5,000 to repair damage to the toughened glass doors and window. “It’s very sad, let’s hope the man is okay,” he said.

In accordance with standard procedure, a senior officer from another garda division has been appointed to carry out the investigation.

Detectives are carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area and also looking at CCTV footage.

Anybody with information is asked to contact gardaí at [phone].