A security guard has collapsed and died in the cells at Auckland District Court this afternoon after allegedly struggling with a defendant.
Fire crews and ambulances arrived at the court on Albert St at about 1pm today after the medical emergency.
First Security confirmed the staff member had died butdeferred to Corrections regarding the circumstances of the incident.
Sources told NZME. News Service the security guard suffered a heart attack while allegedly struggling with a defendant but Corrections would not confirm whether that was the case.
First Security general manager Mike Rutherford said it was a "very very tough" time and out of respect for the employee concerned would not discuss his identity or tenure.
"We are saddened by the news of the death of a First Security officer today at the Auckland District Court," she said. "We pass our condolences on to the officer's family and friends."
She would not comment on further details about any investigation into the death. Police were unable to confirm whether anyone would face charges as a result of the incident.