Gardai in Limerick have launched a murder investigation after a man who was assaulted in the city earlier this week passed away.

The man in his 50's suffered serious head injuries when he was attacked at the junction of Lord Edward Street and Lower Carey's Road at around 7.45pm on Wednesday night.

He was rushed to Cork University Hospital where he passed away early this morning.

House to house enquiries are being carried out in the area and CCTV footage is being examined.

Gardai are continuing to appeal for witnesses.