A two-year-old boy has died in Ireland after being struck by a Jeep in an alleged hit-and-run while playing with his toy tractor, just days after starting pre-school. The incident, which occurred in Rathkeale, County Limerick, has prompted the arrest of a man in his 30s on suspicion of drink- or drug-driving, and has left the local community in shock.

The boy, named locally as Peter Mulcaire, was hit shortly after 3.50pm on Saturday 5 September and later died in hospital from his injuries. The driver fled the scene but was later arrested elsewhere and held for a blood or urine sample before being released pending analysis; a post-mortem examination has been carried out and Gardaí's investigation continues. Tributes have poured in on social media from family and friends, while a local priest described the death as a "terrible shock" for the town. Gardaí have closed the road for forensic examination and are appealing for witnesses or dash-cam footage from the area between 3.20pm and 4pm that day.