An Irish man has died in a Portuguese police cell.

The 29-year-old Donegal native had been arrested in Albufeira on the country’s south coast on suspicion of attacking his partner with a knife.

He was arrested on Tuesday evening and was found dead in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Portuguese police said emergency services were immediately called; however, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s partner is also 29 years old and it is understood they travelled to Portugal together.

Police say the circumstances of the man’s death are now being investigated.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.

Main image shows an aerial view of the beach in front of Albufeira in Portugal. Image: Alamy