GSOC investigating discovery of man’s body

Nigel Leigh was arrested on Thursday before being taken to hospital

Gardaí at Kellihers Garage in Tralee, Co Kerry, where a man’s body was found this morning. Photograph: Domnick Walsh

The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is investigating the death of a man who was arrested by gardaí hours earlier for public order offences.

Nigel Leigh (42) from Killarney, Co Kerry, was arrested on Thursday evening near his home and brought to Killarney Garda station.

Shortly after his arrival at the Garda Station, an ambulance was called and Mr Leigh was transferred to Kerry General Hospital.

It’s understood Mr Leigh may have been discharged from hospital or left of his own accord early on Friday.

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His body was discovered at approximately 6.30am on Friday alongside the car wash at Kellehers Garage at Rathass on the outskirts of Tralee.

The scene was sealed off and the body was removed.

Because Mr Leigh was in contact with gardaí before his death, the incident was referred to the GSOC for investigation.

“Investigators have been deployed to the scene and will examine the circumstances of the death,” said the GSOC in a statement.

It is understood Mr Leigh was married. He suffered from epilepsy and had collapsed a number of times in recent months.

His solicitor Padraig O’Connell said he suffered from “health issues” but was “a gentleman to his fingertips”.

GSOC is appealing for anyone who may have encountered Mr Leigh on Friday, or anyone with information which may assist the investigation, to contact them on 1890 600 800.