Gardaí have begun a murder investigation after the body of a man was discovered beside a burning car in North County Dublin shortly before midnight.
His body was discovered beside a burning car near Balbriggan.
Gardaí say they were alerted to a car on fire just off the M1 where they discovered the man beside the car with "apparent gunshot wounds".
They are still trying to confirm the age and identity of the man.
Reporter Kacey O'Riordan said: ''Gardaí and emergency services were responding to reports of a car on fire at Walshestown, just off Junction 5 on the M1.
''When they arrived the body of a man - who's age is not yet known - was discovered on the ground beside the vehicle.
''He had been shot a number of times.
''The body remains at the scene this morning - which is being preserved for a technical examination.
''Investigating Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed the shooting to come forward.''
