WATCH: Gardaí give latest update on Jo Jo Dullard murder investigation

Video by Tony Keane

Gardaí have confirmed they are searching "open ground" near the Kildare / Wicklow border as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Jo Jo Dullard in Moone in November 1995.

It's understood the search location is near Grangecon village. 

Supt Paul Burke of the Kildare Garda Division confirmed officers searched two private homes this morning. 

A man aged in his 50s, arrested on suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo, remains in custody. 

Supt Burke of the Kildare Garda Division issued a short statement to media on the investigation outside Naas Garda Station at 12 noon today. 

The following is the full statement issued by Garda Press Office at 12.18pm:

"Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Josephine "Jo Jo” Dullard have this morning arrested a male on suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo Dullard.

"The male, in his 50s, continues to be detained under the provisions of Section 4, Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Co. Kildare.

"Investigating Gardaí are today commencing a search operation on open ground at a location in Co. Wicklow near the Wicklow/Kildare border. This area of land will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations over the coming days.

 
"The arrest and search operation is being led by the investigation team from Kildare Division Serious Crime Unit and the Serious Crime Review Team, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

"The search is being carried out by the Kildare Divisional Search Team supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau and local Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.

"The search operation has the support of other state expertise, if required, including the attendance of a Forensic Archaeologist on site.

"Gardaí have also this morning searched two private residences.

"An Garda Síochána has been and continues to keep the family of Jo Jo Dullard fully updated in relation to this investigation and they have been fully appraised of all of today's developments.

"An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884 300 or any Garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111."