The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance following the death of a 27-year-old Irish man in Mexico.

It is understood that the individual, who is believed to be from Co Louth, was shot several times at a service station in the Michocán region of the country yesterday.

According to reports, the man was in the company of a female companion when they stopped to ask for directions to a nearby beach.

Having paused at the service station on the La Mira – Lázaro Cárdenas road, they were confronted by two armed individuals who demanded they hand over the vehicle.

When they refused, the assailants shot both individuals and the took the car, and fled.

It is understood that the Irishman died at the scene.