Irish police have launched a murder investigation following the disappearance of eight-year-old Kyran Durnin from Co Louth, who was reported missing and presumed dead.
Kyran was reported missing from his home in Drogheda, Co Louth, to Irish police on August 30.
An Garda Siochana said: “Despite extensive inquiries carried out by gardai to date, An Garda Siochana have been unable to locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently in life.
“Following investigations to date, Gardai investigators now believe that Kyran is missing, presumed dead.
“A murder investigation has been opened.”
No arrests have been made and the investigation continues.
The investigation is being led by a senior investigating officer based in an incident room established at Drogheda Garda Station.
Tusla, Ireland’s Children and Families Agency, is working closely and fully co-operating with the Garda investigation.
A Garda spokeswoman said: “Gardai are appealing to anyone with information in relation to Kyran’s disappearance to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
“Any information, no matter how insignificant, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”