Garda ombudsman probing man's arrest death

The Garda Ombudsman today launched an investigation into the death of a man while he was being arrested.

The 58-year old man was pronounced dead in hospital shortly after the incident in the Bayside area of Dublin shortly before midnight.

It is understood the man was arrested for public order offences and lost consciousness as he was being restrained by officers who were waiting for a Garda van.

The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) said the deceased had become unwell during an incident with gardaí.

“Medical assistance was called for and attended at the scene following which the deceased man was taken to Beaumont Hospital,” said a spokesman.

“A post mortem is taking place today.”

The matter was referred to the GSOC under section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which is standard procedure when a person dies following contact with gardai, the GSOC spokesman added.