An Irish teenager is reported to have been killed while fighting with rebel forces in Syria.

It is understood Shamseddin Gaidan died last week in violence between the Assad regime and opposition forces.

The 16-year-old had moved to Ireland from Libya in 2011, and had been living in Navan where his family run a grocery.

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is aware of the reports but has not yet been contacted to confirm details.

The teenager spent his summer holidays in Libya last year and was due to fly back to Ireland in August, however it is understood he travelled instead to Syria.