Kyran Durnin case investigators continue to quiz woman after sealing off house

Gardai have arrested a woman on suspicion of the murder of six-year-old Kyran Durnin and have sealed off a property in the Drogheda area as part of the ongoing investigation into the child’s disappearance

Gardaí have until this evening to detain a woman suspected of killing young Kyran Durnin.

Sources have revealed the woman, arrested in Drogheda, Co Louth at approximately 10am on Monday, is being held on direct suspicion of murdering the child – who was six years old when last seen in mid-2022.

Officers have 24 hours to interview the woman, though with mandatory breaks for rest and sleep, that timeframe expires at roughly 6pm.

Gardaí must then either release her or bring charges – but only if the Director of Public Prosecutions authorises such action.

The woman, who knew Kyran, became the third person arrested on suspicion of the boy’s murder since October 2024, reports the Irish Mirror.

That’s when the missing persons investigation, launched in late August of that year, was elevated to a murder inquiry after gardaí determined there was no realistic chance that Kyran was still alive.

However, despite the arrests, no one has been charged in connection with his disappearance – and his body has not been found.

Sources have indicated that gardaí decided to arrest the woman on suspicion of murder as she has been a long-standing suspect in the case.

“She was always going to be arrested,” one source confirmed.

It’s believed a key factor behind the arrest was that gardaí were dissatisfied with statements she provided regarding Kyran’s location – which contradicted evidence uncovered during their extensive investigation. Gardaí have also sealed off a property in the Drogheda area, which officers were examining yesterday, alongside the woman’s arrest.

Sources indicate that investigators are particularly focused on a shed, or outhouse, located at the residence.

While the location has been searched previously, gardaí have now opted to conduct a fresh examination of the site.

The force issued a statement on Monday morning confirming both the arrest and the search operation.

It said: “Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin (6 years) have today, Monday 25th May 2026, arrested a woman in connection with the investigation.

“A search under warrant is being carried out at a domestic residence in Drogheda, Co. Louth, this morning.

“The woman (aged in her 50’s) is currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region. Investigations ongoing.”

Following yesterday’s arrest, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan made an appeal for witnesses to come forward and assist gardaí with the investigation.

He said: “There are people out there who have information in respect of this crime. The only mechanism in order that justice can be served in Ireland is if the Gardaí investigate have sufficient information to pass on to the DPP for a prosecution and then our courts deal with the matter.

“So anyone who has information in respect of Kyran Durnin needs to give that information to An Garda Síochána”.

The most recent arrest occurred less than a fortnight after what would have been Kyran’s 10th birthday. The missing person case was upgraded to murder, but nobody has been charged.

His body has never been recovered, despite multiple searches – in a case that has captivated and shocked the country.

The youngster was reported missing by a relative in August 2024, following concerns raised by Tusla, the child and family agency, to gardaí. This came after a meeting with Tusla social workers where a child purported to be Kyran was in attendance. Gardaí believe that child was a decoy.

On August 30, both Kyran and his mother Dayla were reported missing to officers at Drogheda Garda Station – prompting the force to issue a missing persons appeal.

However, in early October, gardaí located Dayla in southern England – but Kyran remained unaccounted for.

Then on October 16, gardaí lifted the missing person alert for Dayla – but escalated the Kyran investigation to a murder probe.

The force stated: “Despite extensive enquiries carried out by Gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána have been unable to either locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive.

“Following enquiries to date, investigating Gardaí now believe that Kyran is missing presumed dead. A murder investigation has been commenced. The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigation Officer (SIO) based out of an incident room established at Drogheda Garda Station.

“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has any information in connection with the disappearance of Kyran to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Approximately a week later, gardaí took possession of a property on Emer Terrace in Dundalk, where Kyran’s family had resided for a number of years. The current occupants have no connection to the investigation, and a search of nearby land yielded no findings.

Subsequently, on December 10, gardaí arrested a woman on suspicion of Kyran’s murder, who was later released without charge.

Two days later, on December 12, Anthony Maguire, 36, was also taken into custody on suspicion of the boy’s murder, only to also be released without charge. Tragically, he took his own life just days afterwards.

Gardaí pressed on with their investigation, searching a property in Drogheda in February of last year.

The probe continued further, culminating in the arrest of a suspect yesterday.

Sources indicate that gardaí remain resolute in their efforts to recover Kyran’s remains and bring justice for the young boy.

Want to see more of the stories you love from RSVP ? To add RSVP as a preferred source of news on Google, simply click here