A prisoner has died after being found unresponsive in the Midlands Prison this morning.

Officers discovered the man, who is in 30s, in an unresponsive state at 6.30am.

Officers attempted to resuscitate him and the emergency services were called.

He was taken to the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise where he was pronounced dead an hour later at 7.30am.

An investigation has been launched into his death - and a post mortem examination is expected to take place today.

The prisoner's family is being informed.