Gerard McMahon death: New appeal in CS spray arrest inquiry

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

The Police Ombudsman's Office has issued a fresh appeal for witnesses and released more information following the death of Gerard McMahon.

Mr McMahon, 36, from the Short Strand area of east Belfast, died in hospital on Thursday.

It was hours after he was detained by police who responded to a "violent" incident in Great Victoria Street.

The Police Ombudsman's Office said: "CS spray was used by police during the incident."

The watchdog has appealed for information from anyone who may have seen Mr McMahon at a number of locations in the city centre between 02:00 and 05:00 BST.

It said this included Patterson's Place, off Donegall Square East, where he left a nearby nightclub shortly after 02:00 BST.

At the time, the ombudsman's office said Mr McMahon was "wearing a turquoise Firetrap T-shirt, black jeans with a yellow belt, and black trainers".

"He then moved to the Howard Street area, behind the City Hall, and was there between approximately 2.30am and 3am, by which stage he was partially undressed," the statement added.

"Investigators have obtained evidence that Gerard then moved to the Friendly Street area of The Markets, and was there between roughly 3.15am and 4.30am, before making his way to Great Victoria Street via Hamilton Street.

"He was also seen in Amelia Street and Brunswick Street, close to Victoria Street."