Gardaí Resume Search in Drogheda for Missing Child Kyran Durnin Amid Murder Investigation

This morning, Gardaí are continuing their search at a property in Drogheda, utilizing a cadaver dog and heavy machinery, as part of the investigation into the suspected murder of Kyran Durnin. The six-year-old boy from Co Louth was reported missing over two years ago and is now believed to have been murdered, with his remains concealed since 2022.

The search commenced yesterday following the arrest of a man on suspicion of Kyran's murder. This development came shortly after the release of a woman, also detained earlier in the investigation. She had been arrested on Tuesday after returning to Ireland from abroad but was released without charge on Wednesday evening. During her detention, she denied any knowledge of Kyran's fate while cooperating with Gardaí.

The male suspect, who is known to the woman, was detained yesterday morning in the Drogheda area. Gardaí believe both suspects had contact with Kyran in the period leading up to his disappearance. The man is being questioned under a 24-hour detention period, which includes mandatory rest breaks, requiring a decision on his release or charge by this evening.

Extensive searches of two properties in Drogheda were conducted yesterday. While one search concluded quickly, the second—focused on a house and its adjoining garden—remains ongoing. Gardaí describe the operation as “intrusive,” involving the use of heavy machinery to excavate areas in the garden, including the deployment of a telescopic loader to position a digger for potential evidence retrieval.

“The purpose of these searches is to discover any evidence which might provide us with information as to Kyran’s current whereabouts or what has happened to Kyran,” a Garda statement read.

The investigation into Kyran’s disappearance began in late August when the child and family agency, Tusla, raised concerns about his welfare after being unable to locate him. Although Kyran was not in Tusla’s care, a family member subsequently reported both him and his mother missing.

While it was initially suggested that Kyran and his mother were seen in Drogheda in late August, Gardaí have found no evidence confirming his presence since May or June 2022, when he was last seen attending a national school in Dundalk.

Initially treated as a missing persons case, the investigation was later upgraded to a murder inquiry following the discovery of new evidence. Gardaí continue their efforts to uncover details about Kyran’s fate, with the hope of bringing clarity and justice to the case.