Kyran Durnin: Major update as police start 'digs' in hunt for boy thought to be dead for two years

Irish authorities launched a murder investigation in Drogheda last week, saying in a statement that investigators have been unable to find clues leading to the location of Kyran

Gardai investigating the mysterious disappearance of Kyran Durnin have started digging for the youngster near where he went missing.

Kyran, eight, was officially reported missing by his family on August 30, after he vanished alongside his mother, 24-year-old Dyla Durnin, from their family home in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland. In an update last week, Garda said he was presumed dead, with investigators unable to recover a single clue suggesting his potential whereabouts.

Officials have said they are making "steady progress" in the investigation, which is set to enter a new phase today as investigators search for his remains. Gardai will start digging this week, the organisation has said, and several people of interest have reportedly been identified.

Sources speaking to the Irish Daily Mirror have said the Gardai have prioritised finding young Kyran's remains. The investigation is being helmed by Drogheda Garda Station, with the cooperation of Tusla, Ireland's national child protection agency, with officers operating "methodically".

The source said: “The investigation has progressed from what was originally reported and continues to progress. The investigation is being conducted methodically.” Kyran's disappearance has hit the local community hard, with hundreds of people gathering for vigils in Drogheda and nearby Dundalk.

Pictures showed people standing in the streets at night while clutching candles, and an altar of tributes set up near a church in Dundalk market square, with notes and soft toy spider-man figures laid around a notice. One organiser of a vigil in Drogheda said they hoped the gathering would raise awareness and help gardai locate the eight-year-old boy.

The vigil's organiser said: “The prayer vigil for Kyran allowed the community to come together to remember Kyran and raise awareness in the hope that someone will step forward with information that could help gardai locate Kyran." Gardai said in a statement on Wednesday that investigators hope to "identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive".

Anyone who believes they have information that may be relevant to the case has been asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station, which can be reached at 041-9874200. People can also provide information via the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any garda station.