A man has died after a suspected assault in Co Kildare.

The body of the victim (56), who was a local man, was found in a walkway in Athy, between St John's lane and Greenhills housing estate, at around midnight last night.

Gardaí said the man appeared to have sustained a wound to the head. They administered first aid at the scene and had him transfered to Naas General hospital by ambulance. He died at Naas Hospital in the early hours of this morning.

The area has been sealed off pending a forensic examination and an incident room has been set up at Athy Garda Station. The office of the State Pathologist has been informed and the Garda Technical Bureau are on their way to the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athy Garda Station on 059 8634210.