In a heart-rending act of reconciliation, Mark Ryan spoke of his 10-year friendship with Diane Ward, the mother of his child, who is accused of killing the boy at her home in North Cork last Monday.

Gardaí will today resume questioning a 43-year-old mother in connection with the death of her only child at a house in North Cork.

Pupils and staff at Anthony Ward’s school have been receiving help to cope with the tragic loss of their classmate and pupil.

Gardaí are waiting to question Anthony Ward’s mother after the eight-year-old found dead in his bed yesterday morning.

School friends of an eight-year-old boy found dead in his bed are to be given psychological support, it was confirmed today.