The picturesque Irish village used in the television series Ballykissangel was transformed into a real-life crime scene on Sunday when a pub brawl between rival football fans ended in death.

Brian Doyle, 48, was believed to have been punched in the head outside Fitzgerald's pub before collapsing on the main street in Avoca, Co Wicklow.

Police said a quarrel broke out after the Liverpool vs Everton match broadcast in the pub. The victim and another man were thought to be rival fans of the two teams in the Merseyside derby.

Detectives believe the dispute began shortly before 9pm and that Mr Doyle was assaulted after stepping outside on to the main street. Shortly afterwards, his body was found by a passer-by.

Emergency services were called but attempts to resuscitate the victim were unsuccessful.