Missing eight-year-old Irish boy may have died TWO YEARS ago, police fear – as questions arise over how a child could ‘disappear’ for so long

Gardai believe an eight-year-old boy who was reported missing in August may have died two years ago, raising questions about how the case went undetected for so long.

Yesterday morning, gardaí said in a statement that they had investigated a missing persons case involving Kyran Durnin, of Drogheda, Co. Louth, had been upgraded to a case of murder.

‘Despite extensive investigations carried out by Gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána have been unable to locate Kyran, identify any information regarding his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive. Following investigations to date, investigating gardaí now believe Kyran is missing and presumed dead,” police said.

His mother, Dayla, who was reported missing along with Kyran at the end of August, has been found safe and sound in Britain.

Investigators hope people who know Kyran have information that can shed more light on the case, which is one of the most complex and sensitive they have ever dealt with.

Dayla Durin, 24, was reported missing along with her son but is now believed to have been found in Britain

At this stage, gardaí have not ruled out that Kyran may have died accidentally and that attempts may have been made to conceal his remains

Gardaí are investigating how Kyran’s school, as well as representatives from the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, who interviewed the Durnin family, were unaware the child was missing.

The Irish Daily Mail understands that one line of inquiry will investigate whether attempts were made to convince authorities he was alive. Gardaí were already looking for any sign of life relating to Kyran before the missing person report was filed, but found nothing.

Last week, gardaí received information leading them to upgrade Kyran’s disappearance to a murder investigation, an unprecedented move in a case where someone had only been officially missing for seven weeks. The source of this information is not released for operational reasons.

At this stage, gardaí have not ruled out that Kyran may have died accidentally and that attempts may have been made to conceal his remains.

Members of the Durnin family are cooperating with gardaí, officers said. It is understood they will be asked if they have any photographs or other evidence proving Kyran was alive on certain dates.

The Mail has confirmed that Tusla requested a meeting with the child after several reports were made of possible safety concerns.

Questions are also being asked as to why concerns have not been raised about a child who gardaí say has been dead for two years.

“Mapping the exact last moment when gardaí have evidence that Kyran was alive is central to this investigation,” a senior source said.

Gardaí are investigating how Kyran’s school, as well as representatives from the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, who interviewed the Durnin family, were unaware the child was missing

“This gives gardaí a time frame from which they can work. There are a number of other parts of this research that are also being worked on. The Tusla aspect is also very important. Gardaí need clarity about these meetings and who was present. Tusla is cooperating fully with the gardaí in this regard.

“But there are several things that gardaí are currently looking at.”

Other options include interviewing Kyran’s extended family and looking for patterns that can then be explored further. The research includes interviews with staff at the schools Kyran attended, as well as with neighbors, about what they have seen in recent months. They are also asked when they last saw Kyran.

Aontú leader and Peadar Tòibín, born in Drogheda, told the Mail the incident was ‘heartbreaking’ and said it was ‘incredible that this was allowed to happen’. He said: ‘This is a terrible situation. It’s shocking that Kyran may have been murdered two years ago. Most people will be baffled as to how this could have happened. If this is the case, serious questions regarding child protection may be raised.”

Local Labor TD Ged Nash has said anyone hiding information about Kyran should examine their conscience. “I would appeal to anyone who can shed light on this situation or knows what happened to Kyran and where he may be to speak to An Garda Síochána,” he said.

‘There are no two ways to describe this, it’s every family’s worst nightmare. There will be people who know what happened, so I would ask them to examine their conscience and do the right thing.”

Fine Gael TD for Louth Fergus O’Dowd described the case as ‘hugely shocking’. “All I can do is try to encourage people who have any information to come forward because it is so important that this young boy is found,” he said.

Gardaí urged anyone with any information to come forward.

They said: ‘Gardaí in Louth investigating the disappearance of Kyran Durnin (aged 8) are appealing to the public for information. Kyran was reported missing from his home in Drogheda, Co. on August 30, 2024. Louth, at An Garda Síochána. Despite extensive investigations carried out by Gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána has been unable to locate Kyran and obtain any information regarding his identity. current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive.

“Following investigations to date, investigating gardaí now believe Kyran is missing, presumed dead. A murder investigation has been launched.

‘Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information… to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any other Garda station.’