Gerard McMahon death: Family's plea after 'CS spray' arrest

Gerard McMahon, 36, was from the Short Strand area of east Belfast

The family of a man who died after police arrested him, possibly using CS spray, have called for a "thorough and swift investigation".

Gerard McMahon died in hospital on Thursday, hours after being detained by police who responded to a "violent" incident in Great Victoria Street.

The Police Ombudsman's Office is investigating after saying it "appeared that CS spray was used" in the arrest.

The family said they were "grieving for our son and brother Gerard".

Mr McMahon, 36, was from the Short Strand area of east Belfast.

'Devastated'

In a brief statement, his parents, Gerard and Ella, said they were "calling on the Police Ombudsman's office to carry out a thorough and swift investigation into the circumstances of his death".

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it will "fully cooperate" with the ombudsman's inquiry.

The ombudsman's office has renewed its appeal for information.

Mr McMahon was seriously injured in the incident which took place shortly after 05:00 BST on Thursday, and was taken to a Belfast hospital for treatment.

The Police Ombudsman's Office is investigating Mr McMahon's death

Paul Murphy, senior investigating officer with the Police Ombudsman's Office, said the arrest followed an apparent "altercation with a number of taxi drivers".

"At some point during the arrest it appeared that CS spray was used," Mr Murphy added.

"The male in question, his condition had deteriorated, he was then subsequently taken to hospital."

Mr McMahon's death was announced at about 20:00 BST on Thursday.

A sleeping bag was pictured at the scene of Thursday's incident on Great Victoria Street

Sinn Féin councillor Mairead O'Donnell visited his family on Friday morning and expressed her sympathy.

"The McMahon family are understandably devastated by the loss of their son at this very difficult time," she said.

In a statement on Thursday night, PSNI Ch Supt Chris Noble said: "Police wish to pass on our condolences to the family of the deceased."