Candlelight vigil was held in Dundalk for Kyran Durnin on Saturday evening

People gathered at the Market Square in Dundalk on Saturday evening for a candlelight vigil for Kyran Durnin.

Eight-year-old Kyran Durnin was reported missing to gardai in August, but is understood to had not been seen for some time before.

It is understood the last confirmed sighting of Kyran was when he was a senior infants pupil in Dundalk more than two years ago.

It is understood the school was under the impression he was moving away and would not be returning after he finished there in June 2022.

A murder inquiry was launched last Wednesday with Gardaí saying they now believe that he is "missing presumed dead".

Locals gathered in Dundalk town centre on Saturday evening where they lit candles for Kyran alongside messages saying 'Pray for Kyran' and 'Justice for Kyran' and spiderman cuddly toys and teddy bears.

The large billboard at the square displayed photos of the little boy.

Brittany McEnteggart, who organised the candlelight vigil, said: “It is great to see the community coming together and standing side-by-side for little Kyran.

“There are parents here with their children and I am sure they will hug them a little tighter tonight.

“People have lit candles as a sign of hope as we pray for Kyran.

“We can't let this terrible situation slip under the carpet, we need to share Kyran's name – there needs to be answers, a child just doesn't disappear.

“If people have any information about Kryan, no matter how small of a detail they think it may be, please pass it on to the gardai.”

A garda spokesperson said last week: "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," Gardaí said.

The investigation is ongoing.

TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency, is working closely with and fully co-operating with this Garda investigation.