A man has been shot dead at the old Mill housing estate in Rathoath in Co Meath, in an apparent gangland style attack.

The man, who was in his late 50's, was sitting in a car outside his house when he was shot just before 8pm tonight.

There are reports that the victim was a well known criminal who had been living in Ratoath.

Crime Correspondent with the Irish Independent is Cathal McMahon;