Gardaí carrying out a murder investigation into the disappearance of a young boy suspect he died several months before being reported missing.
Eight-year-old Kyran Durnin was reported missing from his home in Drogheda, Co Louth, on August 30 last.
A garda investigation was launched and despite significant enquiries to date, there has been no trace of Kyran.
As part of enquiries carried out during the investigation detectives now also suspect that the young child may have died several months before gardaí were notified he was missing.
“There is a period of time of several months at least between the last confirmed sighting of this child, who is now unfortunately presumed dead, and when he was reported missing,” a source told the Irish Independent.
In a statement this morning, a garda spokesperson said: “Despite extensive enquiries carried out by gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána have been unable to either locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive.
“Following enquiries to date, investigating gardaí now believe that Kyran is missing presumed dead.
“A murder investigation has been commenced.”
The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigation Officer (SIO) based out of an incident room established at Drogheda Garda Station.
Tusla, Ireland’s Child and Family Agency, is working closely with and fully co-operating with the garda investigation.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has any information in connection with the disappearance of Kyran to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence,” the spokesperson added.
“No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.”
News Catch Up – Wednesday 16 October