Gardaí investigate case of child missing from Dublin who is feared dead

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a child in north Co Dublin.

It is understood that gardaí believe the child is likely to be deceased and are investigating the circumstances of how they may have died.

The child is believed to be a boy who was three and a half years old when he was last seen.

Gardaí were notified of the case by another agency in recent days.

An Garda Siochana said: “Gardai are continuing to carry out operational inquiries in north Co Dublin into the current whereabouts and welfare of a child.

“An Garda Siochana is not in a position to provide any further detail at this time.”

The Minister for Children said she is “deeply concerned” over the case.

In a statement, Norma Foley said that the welfare of child was “uppermost” in her thoughts.

“I have been briefed on this matter by officials and I have spoken to the Tusla chief executive about it. I have asked Tusla to keep me fully informed of developments in this case.

“I am appealing to anyone with information about this missing child to provide full co-operation to An Garda Siochana as it carries out its investigation.”