Published Date: 10.10.2001
The Police Ombudsman’s Office has released the findings of its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man outside Strand Road RUC station in Londonderry/Derry in January.
The 36-year-old man, who had been driving a blue van just after midnight on Wednesday January 23, was arrested by police following a traffic accident on the Strand Road.
The man was taken to the police station where he was questioned about a number of alleged traffic offences before being released.
More than an hour after his release, the man’s body was found in the rear of the van, which had been parked near the station. RUC officers tried unsuccessfully to revive him.
The Police Ombudsman’s Office carried out a thorough investigation into the death – it investigates all incidents where a person has died in such circumstances.
The Police Ombudsman, Mrs Nuala O’Loan, said her investigation team had not uncovered any evidence of wrong doing on part of the RUC:
“Those officers who had come in contact with the man prior to his death had acted in a proper manner. The officers and a local paramedic team also tried to resuscitate him, but sadly this was to no avail.
I would like to offer my condolences to the family of the man who died. My thoughts are also with the RUC officers who did all they could to help the man both before and after his death,” she said.
ENDS
Police Ombudsman Media Officer Tim Gracey
Telephone: 028 90 828604
Mobile: 07799 346673