Gardai in Co. Westmeath are appealing for witnesses after a man was found dead in a burning car on the M4 motorway near Kinnegad yesterday afternoon.

The man who was in his 50s was found dead when Gardai and the fire service responded to a call that a car was on fire one kilometre from Kinnegad on the east-bound lane of the M4 at around 4pm.

It is understood the car was a dark-coloured Opel Zafira. Gardai are appealing to any witnesses to come forward, in particular they are looking to speak to any motorists who may have seen the car drive in an erratic manner.

The body was removed to the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar and it is understood the victim is from the Dublin area.

The car has been taken to a secure compound where its being examined this morning.

Regional Traffic Inspector Jimmy McCarthy has been speaking to Midlands 103.