Man, 60s, arrested on suspicion of murder of Annie McCarrick released without charge

Garda Superintendent Tim Burke and Detective Superintendent Eddie Carroll in Irish Town Garda Station speaking to the media. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Annie McCarrick has been released without charge.

The man, who is aged in his 60s, was arrested on Thursday morning and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

This comes as specialist officers continue to search a property in Clondalkin, west Dublin, where the suspect once stayed.

Gardaí say the searches, which are being supported by a cadaver dog from an external agency, will continue over the weekend.

Gardai pictured this morning at a house on Monastery Walk, Clondalkin, where Gardai are continuing their search in the investigation into the death of American woman, Annie McCarrick. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

As reported yesterday, gardaí had a “significant amount” of information and evidence to present to the man, including issues relating to past alibis he gave during what was then a missing person’s case.

Two years ago, gardaí upgraded the case to a murder investigation and have since pursued a line of inquiry focusing on two men.

It is understood that the search of the house in Clondalkin was carried out based on “new information” received by gardaí. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

However, gardaí have urged the public not to raise expectations of a breakthrough and to allow developments to unfold.

The suspect is the first man arrested in connection with the disappearance and murder of Ms McCarrick on 26 March 1993. The 26-year-old was last seen in Sandymount, southeast Dublin, by her flatmates and was reported missing two days later by a friend.

It is understood that the search of the house in Clondalkin was carried out based on “new information” received by gardaí.

Gardaí have stressed that the current occupants of the home have no connection to the case.