GARDAÍ IN LAOIS investigating the disappearance of Aoife Phelan have found a body.

The discovery was made at a house on the Timahoe Road outside Portlaoise just after 11am. The area has now been sealed off and a full technical examination has started. State Pathologist Dr Cassidy is on scene to carry out a preliminary examination and a post mortem is due later today.

Extensive searches have been carried out in a number of spots over the past two days, including in the River Barrow following reports that the 31-year-old may have been beaten to death and thrown over a bridge.

A 24-year-old man was released without charge overnight after being questioned at Portlaoise Garda Station in connection with the murder of the au pair. A file has been prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing and no details can be confirmed as yet.

Aoife was last seen on Thursday 25 October on Colliers Lane at about 8.10pm. An alarm was raised after she failed to turn up to work in The Hermitage on Friday morning.