Gardai finish search of second site in Fiona Pender murder probe
Gardai investigating the disappearance and murder of Offaly woman Fiona Pender in 1996 have this evening (Thursday) concluded their search operation at a site in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in county Laois.
The search had been underway since early yesterday, and it followed on from a search of bogland near the village of Killeigh earlier in the week.
Gardai said the results of both searches were not being released for operational reasons.
"An Garda Síochána have updated the family on any developments," a spokesperson said. "Investigations are ongoing."
The Ross Road at Clonaslee, Co. Laois, which was closed as a result of the search, from the R422 entrance to the R440 entrance, is re-opening this evening.
Gardai have also renewed their appeal to "any person with any information in relation to the disappearance of Fiona in the early morning of Friday, August 23, 1996, who has not spoken to Gardaí, to please come forward and speak to our investigation team."
"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.
"Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111," the statement concluded.