A man is in a critical condition after he was hit by a car following a three-vehicle incident in Julianstown, Co. Meath, in the early hours of Saturday.

The first collision occurred at approximately 02:06am on the R132 at Smithstown.

Two vehicles were travelling southbound towards Dublin when Vehicle two collided with the rear of Vehicle one.

The driver of Vehicle one, a man in his 50s, was uninjured. Both vehicles were subsequently pulled in to the left-hand side of the road.

Approximately 10 minutes later, a third vehicle collided with the rear of Vehicle two.

The driver of Vehicle two, a man in his 50s, was standing at the rear of his vehicle at the time of the collision.

He sustained serious injuries and was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where he remains in a critical condition.

The driver of Vehicle three, a man aged in his 40s, was uninjured.

The scene is currently preserved for examination by Forensic Collision Investigators. Diversions are in place in the area.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have been travelling on the R132 in the Smithstown, Julianstown area between 01:20am and 02:20am this morning, particularly anyone who may have dashcam footage, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on (01) 801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.