Gardaí trying to determine last sighting of Kyran Durnin

Gardaí are still trying to establish the exact timeline of events in the case of a missing eight-year-old boy from Drogheda, Co Louth, who is presumed dead.

The focus of the investigation now centres on detectives trying to determine where and when the last confirmed sighting of Kyran Durnin took place.

On 30 August, a missing person's report was filed at Drogheda Garda Station in relation to Kyran and gardaí were told he was last seen in the town two days earlier.

However, during the course of this inquiry, information came to light that led detectives to suspect that Kyran had been missing for more than two days.

Yesterday, gardaí upgraded the missing person’s case to one of murder.

Gardaí have said that, in spite of their extensive inquiries, they have been unable to find Kyran or identify any information on his current whereabouts or evidence to suggest that he is still alive.

Gardaí also believe the eight-year-old may have been killed up to two years ago.

An incident room has been set up at Drogheda Garda Station. However, gardaí say that at this stage, they have yet to establish a definite line of inquiry.

They have not identified a potential crime scene and have not discovered a body nor a clear indication as to where Kyran is and what happened to him.

Gardaí have said that they are checking with the schools that Kyran attended in relation to his attendance record and are working closely with the Child and Family Agency, Tusla.

In a statement to RTÉ News this evening, a spokesperson for Tusla confirmed the agency is liaising with gardaí.

"Tusla cannot comment on individual cases, and in particular we are conscious that there is an ongoing Garda investigation into this sensitive case.

"We will continue to work closely with Gardaí and other parties as required at this time."

Gardaí have reiterated their appeal for anyone with any information on Kyran Durnin to come forward.

They say any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, from members of the local community, neighbours, teachers and the public at large will be welcomed by the investigation team.

Anyone with any information in relation to the case is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

A sense of sadness hung over the town of Drogheda today as did one of shock at how such a young boy could be missing for so long.