DUBLIN – An extensive Garda investigation is underway in Dublin following the disappearance of a young boy who is feared to have died in suspicious circumstances. The child, a boy, was last seen at approximately three and a half years old and has not been seen for a number of years.
The investigation was initiated on Friday after a referral from the State’s child and family agency, Tusla. The alarm was raised when an application for a social welfare payment prompted routine checks, which revealed no record of the child’s school attendance.
An incident room has been established at Swords Garda Station to coordinate the inquiry. Detectives have conducted a technical examination of an apartment in The Gallery in Donabate, north county Dublin. It is understood that Gardaí suspect the child may have died and that his body may have been disposed of.
Gardaí have spoken to several relatives of the child, but no arrests have been made. The Gardaí have appealed to the public for any information regarding the child’s whereabouts.
In a statement, Tusla confirmed it had referred the case to An Garda Síochána due to concerns for the child’s safety and well-being. “We are aware of current media reports in relation to a very sensitive case relating to the disappearance of a child in Dublin,” the agency said. “Our thoughts are with the child’s family, friends, and community at this difficult time.”
Minister for Children, Norma Foley, expressed her deep concern regarding the case. In a statement, she said, “I have been briefed on this matter by officials and I have spoken to the Tusla chief executive about it. I am appealing to anyone with information about this missing child to provide full co-operation to An Garda Síochána as it carries out its investigation.”
