Multi-day search for Willie Maughan and Ana Varslavane stood down by investigating Gardaí

Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of William Maughan and Anastasija Varslavane have stood down a multi-day search operation on open lands in north Dublin.

Authorities launched a massive search on Friday, November 15, with members of the force searching an area adjacent to land once owned by dead mobster Cornelius Price for the bodies of the missing couple - who are believed to have been brutally murdered by him in April 2015.

The search came after Gardaí received new information in recent weeks, with the area of bog land at Ring Commons in Balrothery East being subject to excavation, and technical and forensic examinations over the weekend.

READ MORE: Bog land being searched for murdered Willie and Ana is adjacent to plot once owned by their suspected killer

READ MORE: Pastor who gave double murder suspect last rites prays search team 'will be guided' to missing couple’s remains

On Monday, officers were seen once again combing the site and taking away evidence bags as hopes grow that their bodies may finally be found - but on Tuesday evening, Gardaí announced that search in Dublin had been stood down.

An Garda Síochána have updated the family as to these developments. Nothing of evidential value was located during the search operation.

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone with information in relation to the disappearance and murder of William Maughan and Anna Varslavane to speak with investigating Gardaí.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Given the passage of time since their disappearance, individuals' personal circumstances may now have changed and people may now be in a position to either speak to investigating Gardaí or to provide information now that they may not have been able to provide before.

“An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 8010600 or any Garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

“Any information will be treated with the strictest confidence.”

Sign up to the Irish Mirror'sdaily newsletter hereand get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox.