Boy may have been killed over two years ago - gardaí

Gardaí believe that an eight-year-old boy reported missing earlier this year may have been killed over two years ago.

Kyran Durnin, from Drogheda in Co Louth, was reported missing in August.

Gardaí say they believe the boy is missing presumed dead and have upgraded the investigation to a murder inquiry.

On 30 August, a missing persons report was filed at Drogheda Garda Station in relation to the child.

Gardaí were told he was last seen in the town two days earlier.

They issued a description of the clothes that Kyran was wearing, a picture of him when he was around six years old and an appeal for information.

During the course of this inquiry, information came to light that led detectives to suspect that Kyran had been missing for more than two days.

Gardaí said today that, in spite of extensive inquiries, they have been unable to find Kyran or identify any information on his current whereabouts.

They also say they have not discovered any evidence that Kyran is alive and suspect he may have died violently.

The investigation is being led by a senior investigation officer based at Drogheda Garda Station.

No arrests have been made.

Gardaí also said that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is co-operating with the investigation and sharing information with the inquiry team.

Detectives are also checking with schools that Kyran attended in relation to his attendance record and to establish a timeline of his last movements.

They have not identified a potential crime scene and have not discovered a body or a clear indication as to where Kyran is and what happened to him.

Gardaí say there are people in the community with information who can help with the inquiry and have appealed them to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041-9874200 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.