A murder investigation has been launched seven weeks after an eight-year-old boy went missing.
Kyran Durnin went missing from Co Louth in Ireland on August 28 alongside his mum Dayla, aged 24.
Gardai now say Kyran is presumed to be dead.
Dayla and Kyran were last seen on the night of August 28 when her mum, Rhonda Byrne Tyson, went to bed and left them sleeping on the sofa at her home.
When she woke up the next morning, they were gone, and she reported them missing on August 30.
An Garda Siochana said: ‘Despite extensive inquiries carried out by gardai to date, we have been unable to either locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts, or any evidence that he is currently alive.
‘Following inquiries to date, investigating Gardai now believe that Kyran is missing presumed dead.
‘A murder investigation has been commenced.’
Speaking to Drogheda Life, Rhonda said Dayla had left a note saying she needed to get away for a few days.
She added: ‘Last Christmas Dayla was diagnosed with type one diabetes and spent most of the summer in hospital and now she has to inject herself five times a day.
‘I’m worried sick. I know that she got a supply of medication recently but I’m terrified about what will happen when that runs out.
I just want to tell Dayla to please get in touch and tell us that she and Kyran are alright. The children and I are worried sick and miss her very much.’
Rhonda is looking after Dayla’s two other children, three-year-old Isla and Laseigh, seven, and says she has been phoning her daughter’s mobile every day to try and reach her.
‘I know you are a strong and independent woman but we can all get a bit overwhelmed at times and things can get on top of us,’ she added.
‘Your girls are missing you dreadfully, they don’t understand what’s going on and why you are not at home with them.
‘All our hearts are broken. You are the only person who knows where Kyran is and all of his family want him home safe and sound.’
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