Gardaí investigate dead body found on Co Meath beach

A man has been found dead on a beach.

Gardaí said the body of the man, aged in his 40s, was discovered on Mornington Beach, near Drogheda, Co Meath this morning at about 9.30am.

The area on the strand was sealed off for a technical examination and the state pathologist Marie Cassidy has been called to carry out preliminary examinations.

Gardaí from Laytown are investigating.

It is understood a woman walking her dog made the discovery and a number of narrow roads and laneways in the area were closed to the public.

It is understood that the man aged in his 40s had suffered serious head injuries and was lying on grass next to the beach.

A team from the Garda Technical Bureau is currently carrying out a forensic examination in the area.

The body has been removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for a post mortem examination - which will establish how he died.

Gardai say the results will also determine what direction the inquiry takes.

Investigating officers are trying to establish if the man died at the scene - or if his body was left here.