The 31-year-old man killed in a road accident in Limerick early this morning has been named as Tony O'Brien, who was originally from Moyross in Limerick but had been living in Tralee in Co Kerry.

He was killed when he fell from the rear seat of a car and was then struck by another car near the village of Kildimo.

The car the victim was travelling in did not stay at the scene.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the accident, including that the victim may have opened the rear car door because he was sick and then fell out.

Gardaí are examining a burned-out car found this evening in the Kennedy Park area of Limerick in connection with the investigation.

The car he was travelling in is described as light blue, with a registration beginning 99-WH. It is possibly a Toyota Avensis or a BMW.

Gardaí have asked witnesses or anyone who may have information relating to the car the man fell from to contact them at Newcastle West Garda Station on 069-20650, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800-666-111, or any garda station.

The stretch of road is currently closed and local diversions are in place.

Tony O'Brien had spent time in prison for manslaughter after assaulting a man in Limerick in 2006.