Gardaí have confirmed that the mother of an eight-year-old Co Louth boy, believed to be a murder victim, is no longer a missing person after she disappeared with her son over six weeks ago.
Young Kyran Durnin vanished along with his mother, Dayla Durnin, earlier this year, with the pair reported missing on August 30.
When the initial report was made by Kyran’s grandmother, it was claimed the child was last seen on August 28.
However, it is believed that the youngster had not been seen for some time before that date.
It has been reported that a note was left by Ms Durnin, saying she “needed to get away for a few days”.
On Wednesday, a Gardaí spokesperson said a murder investigation has been launched in relation to Kyran.
However, no body has been found, or arrests made in relation to the case.
“Despite extensive inquiries carried out by gardai to date, An Garda Siochana have been unable to either locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive,” the spokesperson said.
“Following inquiries to date, investigating Gardai now believe that Kyran is missing presumed dead. A murder investigation has been commenced.”
A garda spokesperson confirmed to the Irish News that Dayla Durnin is “no longer considered missing”.
The murder probe is being led by a senior investigations officer based at Drogheda Garda Station.
The Republic’s Child and Family Agency, Tulsa, is working alongside garda as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information regarding Kyran’s disappearance is asked to contact Drogheda Garda station on (041) 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or to contact any Garda station.