Published Date: 11.12.2023

The Police Ombudsman’s Office has appealed for witnesses who may have seen an elderly man in the area of Bush village, near Dungannon, in the hours leading up to his death on Tuesday 14 November.
 
The Police Ombudsman is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 76-year-old Christopher Blaxall, who died at Lurgan police station shortly before midday on 14 November.
 
He had reported feeling unwell and collapsed while being taken from the station’s custody suite for medical treatment.
 
A spokesman for the Police Ombudsman’s Office said: “As is normal procedure following a death in custody, police informed our investigators who then commenced an independent investigation to examine the course of events leading up to the death.
 
“We understand Mr Blaxall may have been in a number of areas around Bush village, outside Dungannon, before being arrested on suspicion of breaching a court order.
 
“These included the Mullaghteige Road, the Elms housing estate and the Bush Road.
 
“We are therefore appealing for witnesses who may have seen an elderly man with a walking stick, wearing blue jeans, a dark jacket and a dark-coloured backpack, in any of these areas between 7.30am and 8.35am on 14 November 2023.
 
“We would also be interested in speaking to anyone who saw a police car pulling over to the side of the road in the Peatlands area of Dungannon shortly before 9am.
 
“Anyone who may be able to help, is asked to contact our freephone witness line, which is 0800 032 7880.”