Published Date: 04.10.2009

The Police Ombudsman's Office has released the name of the man who died while in police custody in Derry/Londonderry yesterday. He was John Brady, who was 40 and from Strabane.

The Office launched an independent enquiry yesterday evening after being informed of Mr Brady's death during his detention at Strand Road police station.

Police Ombudsman investigators were at the scene of the incident until the early hours of this morning. Enquiries are continuing and a post mortem examination is due to take place on Monday morning.

Police Ombudsman Mr Al Hutchinson said: "Firstly, I would like to express my condolences to Mr Brady's family. Our investigators are continuing to liaise with the family and I appreciate that it is a difficult time for them at present.

"As my Office does in all cases like this in which someone dies in police custody, we have launched a detailed independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances of this tragic death.

"We are currently gathering all the evidence and information we need in order to determine those circumstances.

"We will be interviewing all police officers and other witnesses who may have been in contact with Mr Brady in the time leading up to his death.

"Once we are in possession of all of the facts we will be able to inform the family and the wider public about how this tragic death happened.

"At the conclusion of my investigation we will inform the coroner and publish a report detailing our findings."

ENDS