Man drowns in Shannon in Westmeath

A man has died in a drowning incident in Athlone, Co Westmeath.

The victim entered the River Shannon at around 11.30pm last night.

Gardaí say the 52-year-old local man climbed upon the wall of the Athlone Town Bridge before falling into the Shannon.

Emergency services were called to the scene immediately along with a sub aqua team which pulled the man from the water.

Attempts to resuscitate him at the scene failed.

His body has since been removed to the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar for a post mortem exam.

It is believed the man was alone, however a number of people were in the area at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 09064 92600.