A MAN who died suddenly in Derry on Sunday may have been among up to ten people involved in a fight several hours earlier that day.
Police said while they did not think the man's death was linked to the fight they are still awaiting the results of a post mortem examination.
It is believed the deceased – named locally as Jimmy Boyle – died from natural causes at a house at Clon Elagh in the Skeoge area of Derry on Sunday.
PSNI detective inspector Michael Winters said several fights happened inside and outside a bar on Beechwood Avenue in the city between 1.15am and 1.45am on Sunday.
"After a scuffle inside licensed premises on Beechwood Avenue, those involved were moved outside where the altercation continued," he said.
“There was an ongoing fight involving up to ten people and although initially it broke up outside the pub, it then flared up again just down the street outside a fast food outlet.”
Mr Winters said police believed there was a link between the altercation and Mr Boyle.
“Although one man – who we believe may have been involved – died later in the day, his death is not being directly linked to an assault at this time and the post mortem examination is continuing," he said.
He appealed to anyone with information to contact police.
Independent councillor for the greater Shantallow area, Warren Robinson, said news of Mr Boyle’s death had caused great shock.
“People are upset as they would be at any sudden death and we’re obviously thinking of his family at this time,” he said.
Shantallow SDLP councillor, Brian Tierney, said anyone with information should pass it on to police.
“I’d like to offer my sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.
“At a time like this, it’s important that the family get closure by finding out as much as possible about what happened,” he said.
