Silver car clue in Robert murder hunt

Gardaí investigating the death of Midleton boy Robert Holohan are investigating reports of a silver car being driven suspiciously in the Inch area, where a body was found.

It is understood gardaí have been following up on reports of two men in their 30s in a silver Volvo car, driving at speed from the Whitegate direction through the crossroads leading to Inch at around 3.40pm on Tuesday. This is understood to tie in with when the body is believed to have been dumped in the dense scrubland.

A red van was also seen following behind the car at this time.

The news came as State Pathologist, Marie Cassidy, was due to arrive in Cork this afternoon to conduct a preliminary examination of the 11-year-old’s remains. The scene was preserved overnight and a garda forensic unit went in early this morning to conduct a technical examination of the area.

It is now believed that Robert died before his body was brought to Inch Strand, and his remains had lain there for about two days prior to their discovery yesterday.

The remains are expected to be moved to the city morgue at Cork University Hospital later this afternoon, where Dr Cassidy will conduct a full post-mortem examination.

Official confirmation of Robert’s identity, along with details of the cause of his death and any marks to the body are expected to be known by tea-time.

Meanwhile, forensic tests were also being conducted today on a metal object found near to the body in a gully at Inch Strand.

Gardaí are also following up leads concerning three separate cars — one, a silver saloon.

Detectives are also believed to be focusing on two car parks, one of which is in Cork city, in the hunt.

Although no arrests have yet been made, a Special Branch source at the scene this morning described the outlook for the investigation as “quite positive".

As 50 detectives met in conference at Mid leton GAA club earlier this morning, it emerged that searching in the area of Ballintra East and Inch Strand would resume this afternoon in an attempt to find Robert’s mobile phone — a crucial piece of evidence for the investigation.

Detectives are also reviewing a list of more than 40 suspects, a large proportion of whom are known sex offenders, in the hunt for clues.