At a news conference in Midleton, Co Cork, gardaí have said they are 'satisfied' the body found near Inch Strand in Co Cork yesterday, is that of 11-year-old Robert Holohan.
The post mortem examination is still ongoing, however, gardaí also confirmed that a murder inquiry has now been launched.
Robert's body was removed this afternoon to Cork University Hospital where the State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, has been carrying out a post-mortem examination.
The body was discovered fully clothed and gardaí say the clothes were similar to those worn by Robert when he was last seen alive.
In another development, gardaí reported this evening that Robert's mobile phone had been found.
