Gardaí are investigating the disappearance of a child whom they fear may have died in unreported and suspicious circumstances in Dublin.
The child, a boy, was last seen around the age of three and a half and has not been seen for a number of years.
Gardaí were alerted to the case by the State's child and family agency Tusla.
It is understood the case came to Tusla's attention after an application had been made for a social welfare payment.
Checks were carried out and no record of the child having attended school could be found.
Gardaí were alerted on Friday and have started an investigation.
An incident room has been set up in Swords Garda Station.
An apartment in The Gallery in Donabate in north county Dublin has been searched and technically examined.
Detectives suspect the child may have died and that his body may have been buried or disposed of.
Gardaí have spoken to a number of relatives of the child.
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Garda headquarters said that gardaí are "continuing to carry out operational inquiries in north county Dublin into the current whereabouts and welfare of a child".
No arrests have been made.
Tusla said it had made a referral to gardaí on Friday in relation to concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the child.
In a statement, it added: "We are aware of current media reports in relation to a very sensitive case relating to the disappearance of a child in Dublin.
"Our thoughts are with the child's family, friends, and community at this difficult time."
Tusla said it was continuing to work closely with gardaí and that all information relating to the family had been shared, in line with normal practice.
In a statement, Minister for Children Norma Foley said she was briefed by officials and had spoken to the chief executive of Tusla about the case.
She said: "I am deeply concerned about this missing child. Uppermost in my thoughts is the welfare of this child.
"I have been briefed on this matter by officials and I have spoken to the Tusla chief executive about it.
"I have asked Tusla to keep me fully informed of developments in this case.
"I am appealing to anyone with information about this missing child to provide full co-operation to An Garda Siochána as it carries out its investigation."
