Irish police believe they have discovered the skeletal remains of a child who has been missing for several years. The remains were found during a search in the Donabate area of County Dublin and are believed to belong to Daniel Aruebose.
Daniel has been missing for several years but would be seven years old if he were alive today. Concerns for the boy were first raised by the Irish child and family agency Tusla on Friday, August 29.
An Garda Siochana began an extensive search of open ground in Donabate from Monday, September 1. The search resulted in the discovery of human skeletal remains on Wednesday, though formal identification and DNA analysis will now take place.
Investigation continues
The remains will be subject to careful and sensitive exhumation from the current burial site. Gardai continue to investigate Daniel's disappearance and have asked members of the public to assist with their inquiry.
This involves continued house-to-house inquiries at The Gallery Apartments complex where the child previously lived. A spokesperson said: "Gardai are appealing to anyone who has any information in relation to the death of Daniel to contact the investigation team at Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any member of An Garda Siochana."
The investigation is described as "fully resourced" and supported by several units, including the National Technical Bureau, the Air Support Unit and the Dog Unit. An external forensic anthropologist and forensic archaeologist are assisting the probe along with specialist cadaver dogs from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Tusla involvement revealed
Tusla confirmed on September 2 that it had dealings with the missing child five years ago. The agency said it had engaged with the child and his parents until 2020 at the request of the family.
A fostering arrangement was put in place but the parents ultimately decided to keep the child, having been provided with support. Tusla said the closure of the family's case at the time was "appropriate".
The matter has now been referred to the independent National Review Panel for investigation. Children's Minister Norma Foley has said Tusla would undertake "wellbeing checks" on cases closed during the pandemic.
Similar case emerges
Daniel's disappearance came to public attention around the same time as the one-year anniversary of another missing child case. Kyran Durnin, who would be nine years old this year if still alive, was reported missing in August last year.
A murder investigation was launched in October after Gardai began to believe Kyran might have died aged six. It emerged he had not been seen since May 2022 when he was a pupil at a primary school in Dundalk.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
