The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has confirmed it is investigating the death of a man in custody in Co Mayo earlier today.

The force’s oversight body said the deceased, who was in his 70s, became unwell with breathing difficulties after being detained at Westport garda station.

Emergency services were called and gardaí administered CPR, GSOC said, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident was referred to the watchdog under section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act at around 12.30pm this afternoon.

A spokesperson for GSOC said the state pathologist has been informed and that a post-mortem is due to take place in Castlebar in the coming days.

"GSOC investigators are at the scene and an independent examination is underway to establish the facts of the situation," they said.