LATEST: Items discovered in cave during search for missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine

As the mystery surrounding the disappearance of 56-year-old Michael Gaine deepens, reports have now emerged that a number of items have been seized from a cave on the Kerry farmer's land during the search. 

So far, it is not yet known what items were discovered during the search and who they belong to.

Michael, who also goes by Mike, was last seen in Centra purchasing phone credit in Kemare town on Thursday morning, 20 March. According to gardaí, Michael then left in his bronze coloured Toyota RAV4. The car was later found parked in his own farmyard just off the N71 at Carrig East.

Soon after, gardaí released CCTV footage of Michael in the hopes of gaining information from the public on his whereabouts. They also said that Michael's family, who have not been in contact with him since he was seen last, are "extremely concerned about his wellbeing."

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When he was last seen, Michael was wearing an orange woolly hat, a black fleece, blue jeans and black boots. He is described as being approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a stocky build, brown/grey gair and a bushy beard.

An extensive search operation has been underway since Michael was reported missing involving the Coast Guard, Civil Defence and Kerry Mountain Rescue. Hundreds of volunteers have also joined in the search for Michael around the areas he was known to have been last.

Earlier this week, Irish Defence Forces personnel joined the search with up to 50 members from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Limerick and the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny. 

An Garda Síochána explained: "These lands are rough, open ground and at higher altitude and the experience and discipline of trained personnel is appropriate to assist in carrying out these searches."

They added that they are not requesting the assistance of the general public for further searches at this time. However, they do want to speak to anyone who may have travelled on the N71 on Thursday, 20 March after 9.45am.

Anyone who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, from Thursday, 20 March to Friday, 21 March in the Kenmare Town and Moll's Gap area are being asked to provide it to gardaí.

Anyone with information on Michael's whereabouts is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.