Crime scene declared in search for missing Co Kerry farmer

A crime scene has been declared by police investigating the disappearance of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine.

Ireland’s State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis and members of the Garda Technical Bureau arrived at Mr Gaines’ farmyard close to Kenmare on Saturday.

Investigations have been ongoing across the afternoon with specialist officers operating in the area which gardai described as a crime scene.

The 56-year-old was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday March 21.

He was last seen the previous day in Kenmare town buying phone credit in the Centra shop at 9.48am.

There have been extensive inquiries by gardai investigating Mr Gaines’ disappearance over the last eight weeks, as well as a public plea for information issued by his wife Janice Gaine and sister Noreen O’Regan.

On April 29 the investigation was reclassified as a homicide.

Garda operations have been under way at the land in Carrig East, Kenmare since Friday evening.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said the Garda technical bureau and the Office of the State Pathologist have been asked to attend the scene.

“Pending examinations by both the Garda technical bureau and the state pathologist, An Garda Siochana is not in a position to provide further information at this time,” they said.

“The investigation is ongoing.”

Gardai previously said they had gathered around 2,200 hours of CCTV and dashcam footage, taken nearly 130 witness statements and carried out more than 320 formal jobs/inquiries.

Irish troops and the Garda Water Unit were also involved in search efforts in recent weeks, and checkpoints were held a week after his disappearance to help gather information that would aid the investigation.