A man has died in a road accident at The Heath, Co Laois tonight.

At around 7.20pm, a motorcyclist, aged in his late 20s, was seriously injured when his motorcycle and a car were in collision on the old Portlaoise to Ballybrittas Rd (R419) at The Heath.

He was taken to Portlaoise Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The driver of the car, a 75-year-old woman, was also taken to Portlaoise hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The road is closed to facilitate a forensic collision examination and local diversions are in place, the road is expected to remain closed until tomorrow afternoon.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact Portlaoise Garda station on 057 8674100, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.