GARDAI are examining “digital” evidence they hope could uncover some answers on the disappearance of Kyran Durnin.
The material was recovered from a number of items seized at a property in Drogheda, Co Louth, and is now being examined by investigators.
Since Wednesday’s search operation was undertaken, Gardai have initiated a “comprehensive and meticulous” search of every room inside the property.
They also brought in a mini digger for the rear of the property and used a drone to see if earth and soil in the garden had been moved.
And we also understand they searched the ground below a shed that was previously in the garden.
Kyran, who would be eight if still alive, was last seen in 2022 when he was six.
Although a woman and Anthony Maguire, who later took his own life, have already been arrested before being released without charge, detectives could make further arrests.
One source said: “The investigation is very active and every item recovered from the property is being forensically examined.
“It’s possible there could be further arrests down the line if new evidence is unearthed by Gardai.
“There are people out there with information and they have yet to come forward.”
It’s the fourth property to be searched since Gardai launched their murder inquiry six months ago.
The woman who lived in the house was present when Gardai arrived but is now believed to be staying in Co Meath.
She has continued to live at the property after she met with Gardai when she reported the child missing.
Kyran’s mother – who was also reported missing last year – was later found to be living in the UK.
We also spoke to a few neighbours after the latest search for the missing child.
One man said: “It’s just heartbreaking to think about that poor child.
“How can this happen in this day and age?”
Kyran was reported missing along with his mother, Dayla, last August.
‘NO PROOF OF LIFE’
But after Gardai established his mother had been living in the UK, they upgraded the case to a murder inquiry after establishing there was “no proof of life” of Kyran.
Detectives later identified how the last public sighting of the child was in June 2022 when he was at school.
Commenting on the case earlier this week, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan urged the public not to focus on rumours about the case.
MINISTER’S PLEA
The Fianna Fail TD said: “The Gardai perform an absolutely invaluable task when it comes to investigating serious offences.
“There is an investigation going on into that case at present and the Gardai need to be given an opportunity in respect of carrying out that investigation.
“Let the Gardai do their job and when there is any conclusion to the investigation or a file sent to the DPP or issues like that we will be aware of that.”
The Minister added: “I am concerned that it took so long to find out about the child being missing in the first instance, but in fairness when it comes to An Garda Siochana they are doing their best to try deal with this criminal investigation.”
Gardai have followed hundreds of lines of inquiry to date.
They have also taken dozens of statements and examined hours of CCTV footage as they attempt to unravel the mystery.
