A murder investigation has been launched by Irish police following the disappearance of an eight-year-old boy.
Kyran Durnin was reported missing from his home in Drogheda, Co Louth, on Aug 30.
The schoolboy is now presumed dead and police reportedly suspect he may have died violently.
In a statement, Irish police (An Garda Siochana) said: “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.
“Following inquiries to date, investigating Gardai now believe that Kyran is missing presumed dead.
“A murder investigation has been commenced.”
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. It is being led by a senior investigation officer based out of an incident room established at Drogheda Garda Station.
Tusla, Ireland’s Child and Family Agency, is working closely and fully co-operating with the Garda investigation.