GARDAÍ HAVE ARRESTED a 64-year-old man in connection with the alleged abduction of Mary Boyle in 1977.

Six-year-old Mary of Kincasslagh, Co Donegal, disappeared while visiting her grandmother at Ballyshannon on 18 March, 1977.

The arrest comes after new evidence was discovered by the Review Team, which is based in the Northern Region.

The man has been detained for questioning in Mullingar Station under the Criminal Justice Act 1984. He can be held for up to 24 hours.

Mary was on a family visit to her grandparents’ home with her parents and siblings when she disappeared.

As well as the investigation at the time, there have been two reviews by An Garda Síochána into Mary’s disappearance. The latest, led by the Northern Region Review Team, began in 2011.

The investigators have conducted what they call “a significant investigation” that has involved interviewing a wide range of people and undertaking a number of searches with the assistance of forensic and geology experts. Its investigation is ongoing.

Speaking today, Assistant Commissioner Northern Region Kieran Kenny said:

“We are appealing for anyone with any information on the circumstances around Mary’s disappearance to contact us. Even something that people may have thought was insignificant at the time could help us advance the continuing investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Incident Room at Ballyshannon Garda Station at 071 9858530 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Gardaí say a Family Liaison Officer has been continuously liaising with Mary’s mother, Ann Boyle, to keep her informed of developments including today’s arrest.

In 2011, gardaí released a picture of what they say Mary could look like today.

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Read: Search for Donegal child missing since 1977 resumes