Two spectators have died and seven people have been injured after a car taking part in a Co Cavan road rally crashed into a group of spectators.

A 29-year-old woman from Cork and a 50-year-old photographer from Galway were killed when the car went out of control near Bailieborough at around 11.30am.

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses.

Witnesses said the car appeared to lose control after coming over a small hill, after which it hit a group of people standing beside a road-side fence.

The Health Service Executive said seven people were being treated for their injuries at Cavan General Hospital, one of whom is in a serious condition.

The injured include the driver and co-driver of the car involved in the incident.

The rally was called off after the crash, and garda experts spent some time examining the scene.