Inquiry after police station death

Inquiry after police station death

Mr Connolly died after apparently being crushed in the gate

An investigation has begun into the death of a 28-year-old man who was fatally injured at the entrance to a County Tyrone police station.

Ciaran Connolly died after apparently being crushed in the heavy gate at the complex in Strabane.

The man, from Castlegrange in the town, was taken to Altnagelvin hospital in Londonderry but later died of injuries to his head and upper body.

It followed an incident involving a number of men outside the police station at about 0145 GMT on Monday.

Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Connolly's death in conjunction with the Police Ombudsman and the Health and Safety Executive.

Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.

Chief Superintendent Stewart Tosh, acting assistant chief constable for the North Region, pledged a full inquiry into the death.

"I want to reassure the family and the community in Strabane that a thorough investigation will be carried out by the police with the independent oversight of the Ombudsman and the Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive.

"This was a tragic death and the family will be kept fully informed of the progress of the investigation," he said.

It is understood officials from the Ombudsman's office are at the scene, along with forensic scientists and Health and Safety Executive representatives.

Local priest Father Michael Doherty said Mr Connolly's parents were still trying to comprehend their loss.

"They had five sons last night, now they have one less in tragic circumstances," he said.

SDLP Assembly member Eugene McMenamin said he thought there would have been sensors on the gates to alert the police.

"Questions need to be answered about the circumstances that led to this incident," he said.

Sinn Fein councillor Brian McMahon said there was "major disquiet" in Strabane about Mr Connolly's death.

"There needs to be an open and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic death," he said.