A boy (4) who was seriously injured in a road crash in Co. Laois last night has died in hospital.

He was travelling in a car with his mother and brother (7) at time of the two-car collision.

It happened on the Portlaoise Road outside Portarlington at about 8:30pm last night.

The mother, who is aged in her 30s, and the other boy are still being treated in hospital.

They are being being treated at the Midlands Regional Hospitals in Portlaoise and Tullamore.

The driver of the second car was arrested at the scene and has since been released without charge.

Gardaí say their investigation into the crash is on-going. They are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.