An Irish prison officer has been named locally after being killed in a Madrid road incident on Sunday morning.

Liam Donoghue was hit by a taxi at about 2.20am while crossing the Ronda de Toledo, a major road in the Spanish capital.

The 52-year-old worked in Mountjoy Prison as a prison officer, where he was considered popular and well-known.

Liam’s immediate family has been notified of the tragic situation.

Local officials said that Liam was treated by paramedics for cardiac arrest at the scene, with law enforcement also in attendance.

The prison officer was then transferred to the nearby Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Department of Foreign Affairs stated that it was aware of the case and was providing consular support to the family.

The Madrid municipal police also said: ‘Preliminary indications suggest that he was crossing the road at an unauthorised location, but an investigation is currently underway.’

This has reportedly been supported by witness statements, with the report to be submitted to a local court.

It is understood that there were two passengers in the taxi at the time of the incident.

The driver also reportedly passed a drink-drive test and was identified, but not arrested, by police.

The Irish Prison Service are understood to be supporting staff at Mountjoy following the officer’s death.