The man was travelling with his partner in a van when they stopped to ask for directions at a gas station at La Garzas de La Mira (Photo; Google Maps)

An Irish man has been shot dead in Mexico after he stopped to ask for directions to the beach.

The man (29) was from Co Louth.

Local media are reporting that he was shot in Lazaro Cardenas in the State of Michoacán on Tuesday.

According to reports the man was travelling with his partner in a van when they stopped to ask for directions at a gas station at La Garzas de La Mira. It is understood that they were looking to travel to the beach.

At least two men approached the couple and attempted to rob a bag from the woman.

The Irish man moved to defend her but was shot repeatedly and dragged from the vehicle.

According to reports the thieves stole their white Ford pick-up van, leaving the couple behind.

Paramedics attended the scene and the woman was treated in hospital.

Excelsior reports that the woman is 28 and from Tucson Arizona in the US. She told authorities she met the Irish man on social media and the pair had been dating for three months.

It is understood that the man was travelling on an Irish passport.

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

A local reporter told RTE Radio One: "They will treat it as a priority and this appears to not be a 'narcos' incident so in my opinion it will be solved very quickly."

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