Gardai in Co Westmeath have arrested a man in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Mary Boyle in Donegal. Mary Boyle has been missing for more than 37 years.
Little Mary went missing from her grandparents’ home in Cashelard, Ballyshannon on 18 March 1977.
She was playing outside when it is thought that she had followed her uncle across some fields near the house. It is believed that little had turned back to go back to he grandparents house, but she went missing in the meantime and has never been seen since.
Detectives from the Gardai arrested a 64-year-old man today following a three-year case review.
He is being held at Mullingar Garda Station on suspicion of kidnapping. It is understood that the unidentified man can be questioned for up to 24 hours.
Gardaí have said that the case has always remained active. They have carried out searches, issued new appeals and reviewed the case a number of times since her disappearance. Gardai have also said they received help from forensic and geology experts.
Assistant Commissioner Northern Region Kieran Kenny made a statement in relation to the ongoing investigation, he said : “We are appealing for anyone with any information on the circumstances around Mary’s disappearance to contact us “Even something that people may have thought was insignificant at the time could help us advance the continuing investigation.”
Gardaí are urging anyone who may have any information to contact them at Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071-9858530 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.