Fears skull found in Wicklow is of man missing for a year

Preliminary results are expected this morning on a human skull discovered in a woodland in Wicklow.

It was discovered at Manor Kilbride near Blessington on Thursday.

Forest workers who were clearing an area of woodland and bog made the grim discovery of a human skull buried in an area near Blessington.

Sources close to the investigation say the skull and other bones which were also found are believed to be those of a young man, and the search is now underway to find the rest of the remains.

There are fears the body may be that of missing 20-year-old Paul Byrne who has not been seen since he disappeared from his home in Tallaght a year ago.

The remains have since been removed to Dublin where the State Pathologist is carrying out a detailed examination, with preliminary results expected today.

Meanwhile the Garda dog unit along with a forensics team will continue to carry out a widescale search of the area which has been sealed off since Thursday.