Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after man was found unconscious in a park in Cork city.

Investigators found the man after they were alerted to a fire in the Mardyke Walk area in the early hours of this morning.

He was taken to Cork University Hospital at around 1am and was later pronounced dead.

A post mortem examination is due to take place this morning.

Investigators are calling for witnesses or anyone who was in the Mardyke Walk area between midnight and 1am to contact them.

They are also calling for drivers who were in the area and may have dash-cam footage to contact them.