Forensic teams search Inch Strand area

Gardaí were tonight carrying out a search of the area where the body of schoolboy Robert Holohan was found.

The identity of the body, which was found near Inch Strand in Co Cork yesterday, was confirmed by local gardaí to be that of the 11-year-old.

More than 50 detectives are taking part in the murder investigation.

“The whole scene is being thoroughly searched. It may take a few days to complete but we’ll do it painstakingly,” said a Garda spokesman.

He said offices were following up more than 1,000 pieces of information, including reports of vehicles in the area where Robert’s body was found.

Locals who attended the scene reported seeing two men driving an English registered car at speed two days ago.

Gardaí are also trying to locate the schoolboy’s mobile phone, which was last used at 2.46pm on January 4, the day Robert went missing from his home in Ballyedmond, Midleton.

The mobile phone company 02 is continuing to supply information to help track down the schoolboy’s phone.

“Our focus at the moment is on working with the Gardaí,” said an O2 spokeswoman.

Robert’s body was found by a search team of gardaí, army personnel and volunteers yesterday. It was lying in a ditch, just feet away from the road which leads to Inch Strand, a popular beach with swimmers, surfers and walkers.

The forensic examination of the scene began when the Garda Technical Bureau arrived at 8.40am today.

The state pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy arrived at 12.35pm and carried out a preliminary post-mortem examination of the body. It was then removed in a hearse and brought to Cork University Hospital for a full post-mortem.

Superintendent Kevin Donohoe of the Garda Press Office said more than 100 gardaí in total were working on the murder investigation.

“This is a huge inquiry centred at Midleton garda station. The most critical lines of the inquiry are being progressed,” he said.

He said many of the investigation team were local gardaí, who were working up to 20 hours a day.

“There’s a significant determination in the investigation team to resolve this,” he said.

Mr Donohoe appealed for locals in the area to contact the Gardaí with any information, particularly those who were living close to Robert’s house in Ballyedmond.

“We have been overwhelmed by the public response but we want that to continue. We’re only going to find them with the help of the public in Midleton.”