A two-year-old boy who died after being struck by a jeep in Co Limerick has been named locally as Peter Mulcaire.

The child, who is understood to have been from Abbeycourt in Rathkeale, was pronounced dead following the collision, which happened close to his home shortly after 3.50pm yesterday.

He was rushed to University Hospital Limerick by a family member with serious injuries and pronounced dead a short time later.

Gardai have said the vehicle involved did not remain at the scene.

A man in his 30s was later arrested at a separate location on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. He was taken to a Garda station in Co Limerick to provide a blood or urine sample and has since been released while that sample is analysed. Investigations are continuing.

A family liaison officer has been appointed to support the boy’s family.

A family fun day due to be held in the locality today was cancelled as a mark of respect.

In a social media post, the organisers said: ‘Due to very tragic circumstances in Rathkeale today and out of respect, we are cancelling our funday in the Abbey grounds tomorrow, apologies to everyone concerned.’

The road was closed to allow Garda Forensic Collision Investigators to carry out a technical examination of the scene. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses to come forward, and in particular want to hear from anyone who was in the Abbey Court area of Rathkeale between 3.20pm and 4pm yesterday, including any road users with dash-cam footage.

Anyone with information can contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.