The Daily Star Ireland
The Garda Commissioner has announced that public information has significantly contributed to the current leads in the investigation into the disappearance and presumed murder of schoolboy Kyran Durnin. Commissioner Drew Harris revealed that the Gardaí have received an overwhelming amount of tips, providing numerous leads to pursue. This has enhanced their understanding of the suspects and is aiding in building a case to present to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Kyran, who was six years old when last seen in August, was reported missing from his home in Drogheda. The case was reclassified as a murder investigation in October, with authorities believing Kyran was killed over two years ago. Commissioner Harris emphasized that the focus is on the time around May 2022, reflecting when Kyran, presumed dead at six, was last confirmed alive.
The Gardaí are actively investigating what transpired after Kyran’s last sighting and how to advance from there. The search efforts include using heavy machinery and a cadaver dog at a house in Drogheda to determine the disposal location of Kyran’s body. This search, which began yesterday, has continued into its second day, encompassing the property and its surrounding gardens.
A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of Kyran’s murder and is currently in custody, being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. This allows for questioning up to 24 hours. The exact details of his detention overnight remain unclear, and decisions regarding charges or release are expected later today.
Earlier in the week, a woman in her 20s, previously abroad, was arrested on suspicion of murder but was released without charge on Wednesday evening. Known to Kyran, she has been a person of interest and previously interviewed by the Gardaí.
This property search in Drogheda marks the third significant operation in this investigation. The results of a search at another Drogheda residence, completed yesterday, remain undisclosed for operational reasons. In October, the former Durnin family home in Dundalk and adjacent land were also searched. Authorities have clarified that the current tenants of that property are unrelated to Kyran’s case or his disappearance. The findings from that three-day search have not been released to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
