Land searches continue in Laois for missing British man

Searches are continuing for a 59-year-old man who went missing in the Midlands eight months ago.

Gardaí have now carried out an extensive examination of a six-acre site in Co Laois, in a bid to find clues about Tommy Thompson's whereabouts.

Tommy Thompson who is originally from the north of England worked as a plastering contractor in Portlaoise before he disappeared on April 21 last.

He is now being treated by the Gardaí as missing, presumed dead.

Two foreign nationals who knew the 59-year-old are now at the centre of the inquiry, and have been in custody since Tuesday.

Detectives say they are satisfied that the men have information about Mr Thompson's disappearance.

Yesterday, gardaí with sniffer dogs searched land between Stradbally and Portlaoise but found nothing, however it's understood they are likely to re-examine the area in the coming days.