A man in his 70s has died after he was hit by a bus while out walking in County Meath last night.

Gardaí said it happened on the R135 at Newton Cross near Ashbourne shortly after 11pm.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and his remains were taken to Navan Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.

A report has been sent to the local coroner.

The bus driver was uninjured.

The road was closed for a time while a forensic investigation was carried out; however, it has since reopened to traffic.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them at Ashbourne Garda Station.