Gardaí believe an eight-year-old boy, who was reported missing in August, may have died up to two years ago, raising questions over how the case went undetected for so long.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, gardaí said they had upgraded a missing-persons case involving Kyran Durnin, from Drogheda, Co Louth, to one of murder.
"Despite extensive enquiries carried out by gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána have been unable to either locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive," the force said.
"Following enquiries to date, investigating gardaí now believe that Kyran is missing, presumed dead."
His mother, Dayla, who was reported missing with Kyran at the end of August, has been located in the UK safe and well.
Investigators hope people known to Kyran may have information that can shed more light on the case, which is among the most complex and sensitive they have ever dealt with.
Gardaí are investigating how Kyran’s school, as well as representatives from the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, who interviewed the Durnin family, did not know the child was missing.
One line of inquiry will examine if attempts were made to convince authorities he was still alive. Gardaí had already been searching for any sign of life regarding Kyran before the missing-persons report had been filed, but found nothing.
Last week, gardaí received intelligence that caused them to upgrade Kyran’s disappearance to a murder investigation, an unprecedented move in a case in which someone had officially been missing for only seven weeks. The source of this information is not being released for operational reasons.
At this stage, gardaí have not ruled out that Kyran died accidentally and efforts may have been made to hide his remains.
Members of the Durnin family are cooperating with gardaí, officers said. It is understood they will be asked if they have any photos or other evidence that can show Kyran was alive on certain dates.
Tusla had requested a meeting with the child after several notifications were made to it about potential safeguarding issues.
Questions are also being asked as to why concerns were not raised about a child who gardaí believe is dead up to two years.
"Narrowing down the exact last moment gardaí have evidence of Kyran being alive is central to this investigation," one senior source said.
"This gives gardaí a timeframe they can work from. There are several other strands to this investigation which are being worked on as well. The Tusla aspect is very important as well. Gardaí need to have clarity about these meetings and who was there. Tusla is cooperating fully with the gardaí in respect of this.
"But there are several things gardaí are looking at right now."
Other avenues will be to interview Kyran’s extended family and look for patterns that can then be probed further. The investigation will include speaking to staff at schools Kyran attended, as well as neighbours about what they have seen over recent months. They will also be asked when they last saw Kyran.
Aontú leader and Drogheda native Peadar Tóibín said the incident was "heartbreaking" and said it was "incredible this has been allowed to happen."
He said: "This is a horrendous situation. It is shocking that Kyran may have been killed two years ago. Most people will be aghast at how this could have happened.
"There are serious questions to be asked in relation to child protection services if this is the case."
Local Labour TD Ged Nash has said anyone concealing information about Kyran should examine their conscience.
"I would appeal to anybody who can throw light on this situation or knows what happened to Kyran and where he might be to speak with An Garda Síochána," he said.
"There’s no two ways to describe this, it’s any family’s worst nightmare. There will be people who know what happened, so I would ask them to examine their conscience and do the right thing."
Fine Gael TD for Louth Fergus O’Dowd described the case as "hugely shocking."
"All I can do is try and encourage those with any information to come forward because it’s so important this young boy is found," he said.
Gardaí urged anyone with any information to come forward.
They said: "Gardaí in Louth investigating the disappearance of Kyran Durnin (8 years) are appealing to the public for information.
"Kyran was reported missing from his home in Drogheda, C Louth, to An Garda Síochána on August 30, 2024.
"Despite extensive enquiries carried out by gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána have been unable to either locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive.
"Following enquiries to date, investigating gardaí now believe that Kyran is missing, presumed dead. A murder investigation has been commenced.
"Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has any information… to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station."
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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