Gardai renew Fiona Pender appeal as search operation concludes

Gardai yesterday (Tuesday) concluded a search operation on land near Killeigh in Offaly as part of their investigation into the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender in August 1996.

A statement issued by the force said the results of the search were not being released for operational reasons.

It added that Gardai have updated Ms Pender's family on the developments, and that investigations were ongoing.

Gardaí also renewed their appeal to any person with any information in relation to the disappearance of Fiona Pender in the early morning of Friday, August 23, 1996, who has not previously spoken to Gardaí, to come forward and speak to its investigation team.

People who may have come forward previously, but felt that "they could not provide Gardaí with all the information they had in relation to this matter" at that time are also being urged to contact the investigation team again.

"An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, or any Garda Station," said the statement.

Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.