Garda Ombudsman investigates death of Rathfarnham man in custody

The Garda Ombudsman is investigating the death of a 52-year-old man in garda custody early today.

Hugh Brien, a single man with an address in Orchardstown Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin was arrested in central Dublin last night at about 8.20pm under public order legislation.

He was taken to Store St garda station where he was placed in a cell. At about 1.30am this morning, Mr Brien was found to be unresponsive.

Resuscitation was attempted and he was then transferred to the Mater Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2.30am.

The matter was referred to the Garda Ombudsman by the Garda Commissioner in accordance with section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.