Oscar-winning songwriter and The Frames frontman Glen Hansard has died following a motorbike crash in his home city of Dublin. He was 56.

Hansard was reportedly involved in a single-vehicle collision on Lower Road in Lucan, west Dublin. Emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly before 04:30 local time.

Police have appealed for witnesses as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue. No further details about the incident have been released.

Hansard was widely recognised for his contributions to music and film, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the 2007 independent musical film Once.

The film, which became an international success, helped introduce his songwriting to a global audience and remains one of the defining works of his career.

Born in Dublin in 1970, Hansard began his musical journey as a busker on the city’s streets before establishing himself as the lead singer of Irish rock band The Frames.

The group became one of Ireland’s best-known alternative rock acts and earned a loyal following through decades of recording and touring.

In addition to his music career, Hansard appeared in the 1991 film The Commitments, portraying Outspan Foster. 

The story is continuing to develop as authorities seek further information about the crash.