Eoghan (left) and Ruairi Chada (Pic: Garda Press Office)

Updated 5.40pm

TWO BOYS, WHO were reported missing with their father earlier today, have now been found dead following a single-car crash in Mayo this afternoon.

Sanjeev Chada, 43, and his two children, Eoghan, 10, and Ruairí, five, were earlier reported missing at 1.30am this morning from Ballinkillen, Bagenalstown in Carlow.

Gardaí have now confirmed that the two boys were found dead and their father injured following a car crash at Clooneen, Rosbeg, Westport about four miles from Westport on the Westport to Louisburgh Road.

The father has been taken to hospital and is not thought to be seriously injured.

Gardaí had earlier issued a nationwide alert issued for information about the whereabouts of the father and his two sons. A nationwide Child Rescue Ireland Alert was then cancelled just after 4pm today.

The scene is being preserved for a technical examination and the Office of the State Pathologist has been notified with Dr Khalid Jabbar expected to arrive at the scene later this evening.

The Garda Technical Bureau are also on their way to the scene. A garda press briefing is expected later.

Gardaí are now appealed for anyone who may have witnessed this crash or anyone who may have observed a dark green Ford Focus 06-CW-238 between 6.30pm on Sunday evening and 4pm this afternoon to contact them.

The incident room at Westport Garda Station can be reached on 098 50230.

- additional reporting Christine Bohan

First published 2.15pm