LAST UPDATE | 5 hrs ago

GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING whether a child at the centre of a murder investigation in Co Louth may have been dead for months before his reported disappearance in August of this year.

A murder investigation into the death of eight-year-old Kyran Durnin was announced this morning.

The boy was was reported missing from his home in Drogheda on 30 August.

Despite extensive enquiries, gardaí said in a statement that they have been unable to locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is alive.

Investigating gardaí believe that Kyran is dead and a murder investigation has been commenced, a statement from the Garda Press Office said.

Gardaí had been liaising with the child and family agency Tusla for some time as concerns mounted for the safety of Kyran, sources told The Journal this morning.

It’s understood previous meetings between Tusla and the young boy’s family are forming part of the investigation.

Gardaí have received co-operation from some people related or known to Kyran who had expressed their concerns about his safety. Others have been less co-operative with investigators, sources said.

Investigators believe he did not go missing in August when his disappearance was reported to gardaí but instead that he vanished some months before that.

The investigation is focused on what happened to him in that period.

Sources said gardaí do not know how Kyran was killed or where his body is but they have assessed, after examining the evidence and information they have received, that he was murdered.

The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigation Officer based out of an incident room established at Drogheda Garda Station, this morning’s statement said.

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.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence,” the statement said.

No arrests have been made and a garda spokesperson said investigations are ongoing.

The spokesperson added that Tusla is working closely with gardaí and is fully cooperating with the investigation. A statement has been requested from Tusla.

Kyran was reported missing on 30 August alongside his mother, 24-year-old Dayla Durnin.

When gardaí launched the missing persons appeal on 4 September, it was stated that Kyran and Dayla Durnin were last seen on Wednesday 28 August.

The missing persons appeal for Dayla Durnin was stood down by gardaí this morning.