An investigation is taking place after a man was crushed to death by police station gates in Strabane, Co Tyrone, writes Suzanne Breen, Senior Northern Correspondent
Mr Ciaran Connolly (27), a joiner, suffered head and upper body injuries after he was struck by the heavy automatic barriers at the front of the base early yesterday.
It is understood he was involved in a chase.
Eyewitnesses said at least two men were running after another man. Mr Connolly's brother, John, was with him at the time of the incident, according to his family.
Local people said they believed there should have been sensors in operation on the gate designed to stop them shutting if objects were in the way. The incident followed a serious row at a nearby pub. Mr Connolly, from Castlegrange in the town, was taken to Altnagelvin hospital in Derry but later died of his injuries. Detectives investigating his death have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Local priest Father Michael Doherty said Mr Connolly's parents were still trying to comprehend their loss.
"They had five sons, now they have one less in tragic circumstances," he said.
The victim's parents, Cecilia and Edward, last night told the BBC that their son had been a "happy-go-lucky" person. "We will never, ever get over this," said Mrs Connolly. "It's terrible."
Chief Supt Stewart Tosh 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 Health and Safety Executive." Sinn Féin councillor Mr 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.
SDLP Assembly member Mr Eugene McMenamin said: "Questions need to be answered about the circumstances that led to this incident." UUP Assembly member Mr Derek Hussey said: "It's a tragedy but I'm glad it is being fully investigated through the proper channels of the police."
Meanwhile, a man who was injured in a paramilitary-style shooting in Strabane is very seriously ill in hospital. The victim, who is in his 50s, was shot after a group of 14 men arrived at his house in Carlton Drive on Sunday night.
The man, his wife, and a friend were in the living-room. Five of the men burst into the room and assaulted the victim before dragging him to his garden where he was shot in the leg. He has undergone surgery in Belfast.