An Irish chef has been shot dead outside his restaurant in Kansas City.

44-year-old Shaun Brady was shot dead in the car park outside his Brady & Fox restaurant in the city in the early hours of this morning local time.

Police say Mr Brady was trying to stop a group of people breaking into a car when he was shot.

The Tipperary man was well-known in the Irish community in Kansas and had appeared on television many times as a chef.

He was also one of the organisers of the city’s ‘Irish Fest’ event, which is due to take place this coming weekend.

44-year-old chef Shaun Brady. Image: Facebook

In a statement, Kansas City Police said Mr Brady was found with gunshot wounds in a car park beside his restaurant.

He was rushed to hospital after officers attempted to perform life-saving measures; however, he was later pronounced dead.

They said they currently believe he was taking out the trash when he saw “multiple subjects by a vehicle”.

“An interaction between the victim and subjects occurred that led to the victim being shot,” they said.

44-year-old chef Shaun Brady. Image: Facebook

The scene is now being processed by crime scene investigators and detectives are interviewing several witnesses.

They are also reviewing surveillance footage.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Brady’s restaurant said their hearts are “broken”.

“There are no words to express our sadness, anger and frustration,” they said.

“Our community is with Shaun's family - forever. We appreciate the outpouring of support, offers to help, and your love.

“Together we are united. Together we will grieve. Together we will heal.”

Police are investigating the death as a homicide.