A man who died after police in Northern Ireland used CS spray against him during a “violent” incident in Belfast city centre has been named locally as Gerard McMahon.

Mr McMahon, who is understood to be in his 30s and thought to be from the Short Strand area of east Belfast, was allegedly involved in an altercation with taxi drivers on Great Victoria Street at around 5am on Thursday morning when police attempted to arrest him.

According to witnesses the man was wearing only underwear and had been behaving erratically.

CS spray was used by a PSNI officer at the scene close to the Grand Opera House and Europa Hotel and he then became ill and was taken to hospital.

The Police Ombudsman is investigating.

Sinn Féin has named the man as Gerard McMahon and offered sympathy to his family.

Sinn Féin MLA and Northern Ireland Policing Board member Gerry Kelly said he was shocked to learn of Mr McMahon’s death.

“My thoughts are with his family at this tragic time,” he said.

“I have been in touch with senior police today about the circumstances which led to Gerard being rushed to hospital.

“The Police Ombudsman has already launched an investigation into the detention of Gerard McMahon.

“That investigation must be thorough so that his grieving family get the full facts as quickly as possible about the circumstances which led to his death.”

PSNI chief superintendent Chris Noble said: “Police wish to pass on our condolences to the family of the deceased.

“We will fully cooperate with the Police Ombudsman’s inquiry and at this stage it would not be appropriate for the Police Service to comment further.”