Published Date: 04.02.2011

The Police Ombudsman's Office has released the name of the man who died after being shot by an off-duty police officer in Belfast last night (3 Feb). He was Marc Alexander Ringland, aged 29, from the east of the city.

The incident happened at a garage on the Albertbridge Road at around 7pm.

A spokesman for the Police Ombudsman's Office said: "In line with normal procedure we were informed about the incident by the police and immediately launched an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances in which the firearm was discharged."

Around 20 Police Ombudsman investigators are currently involved in the investigation.

The spokesman said: "The area was cordoned off to allow forensic examination to take place and a number of items have been retrieved for further analysis, which is ongoing today.

"We have also identified and spoken to a number of witnesses, and would like to appeal for anyone else who may know anything about what happened to contact us on our freephone witness appeal line. The number to call is 0800 032 7880."

ENDS