Kyran Durnin: Man arrested suspected of being involved with ‘decoy child’ ruse

The man who was arrested yesterday morning as part of the investigation into the murder of young Louth boy Kyran Durnin is suspected of being involved with the “decoy child” who was used to throw off Tusla workers.

The suspect remained in Garda custody last night for questioning as he can be held for up to 24 hours. A decision to charge or release the man must be made by this morning.

It is understood that a decoy child was used to be passed off as Kyran in two meetings with Tusla, and possibly a separate incident over the summer. Child welfare officials only became aware after a missing persons appeal for Kyran was issued and the photograph did not look like the same boy they had met.

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“The decoy issue will be one of the most prominent issues that interviewers are putting to this suspect,” a source told the Irish Independent.

“Then, of course, gardaí need to know what level of knowledge or culpability this suspect has about the murder of the child.”

Meanwhile, a search of two properties in the Drogheda area was conducted yesterday. Gardaí reportedly searched the home of an older woman, who is known to the male suspect, in an attempt to seize electronic devices that may provide key information to the investigation. Although she is not a suspect in the case.

The search operation of the second property is expected to last a number of days as Garda used a mini-digger to search the back garden. A specialist cadaver dog was also on site. The operation is being carried out by the local divisional search team, who are being supported by the Garda ­National Technical Bureau, Divisional Scene of Crime and Forensic Science Ireland.

“An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person with any information, on the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact the Garda Investigation Team at Drogheda garda gtation on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána,” a spokesperson said.