A man in his 40s is seriously ill in hospital after he was found unconscious in Tralee, Co Kerry, early this morning.
He was located lying unconscious on the roadside on Staunton Row/Princess Street, Tralee, at about 12.30am.
He was later removed from Tralee Garda station to Kerry General Hospital, Tralee.
The matter was referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission by the Garda Commissioner in accordance with section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005.
Under this section, the Garda Commissioner must refer any matter that appears to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.
In a statement, the commission appealed for witnesses who were present on Staunton Row/Princess Street at the time, and in particular a male who attended at Tralee Garda station to report the matter to contact it at 1890 600 800.
The commission said no further details were available.
It is understood the man is from the Tralee area and that he was arrested on Denny Street in the town shortly after midnight for an alleged public order offence.
The man's condition is described as serious.
