Meath house searched as part of Elizabeth Clarke murder investigation

James Cox

A search, which is underway at a house in Co Meath in connection with the murder of a 24-year-old woman, is expected to take a number of days.

Gardaí have upgraded the disappearance of Elizabeth Clarke – who was last seen in 2013 – to murder.

The search is taking place at a home in Navan that gardaí believe may be connected to the murder of Elizabeth Clarke.

Gardaí behind a house which is being searched in Navan, County Meath as the investigation into the disappearance of Elizabeth Clarke has been upgraded to a murder investigation. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Images

Gardaí were seen blocking off the view of the house to the public, while they were also seen removing a window from the upper level.

Items were removed from the home and the Garda Technical Bureau is present.

A forensic archaeologist is on standby if required.

Elizabeth Clarke was last seen in Navan in 2013, and had previously lived in Bettystown and Portrane.

An appeal leaflet attached to a pole near to the house which is being searched by Garda in Navan, Co Meath. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Images

She was reported missing by her family in 2015, and gardaí this morning announced they were upgrading her case to murder following "extensive enquiries".

The search at the house is expected to take a number of days.