LAST UPDATE | 17 May

GARDAÍ HAVE DISCOVERED partial human remains in a field near Carrig East, Co. Kerry, as part of the ongoing investigation into the homicide of Michael Gaine.

A garda spokesperson said, “Searches are ongoing to recover any further human remains.

“DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains.”

Sources indicate that the body fragments were found in a field where slurry was spread yesterday.

The slurry came from the same tank previously searched at the start of the investigation.

It is understood that a person had intended to use a tank and specialist machine at the site to spread slurry on the land, when the machine they were using stopped working.

When they went to investigate, they discovered what is believed to be a human vertebrae.

Garda at the scene in Carrig East, Kenmare. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Earlier this afternoon a large slurry agitator – a large metal mixer which is used to break up solids in slurry tanks so they can be spread – along with the pump and gutter unit appeared to be the focus of examination by the pathologist and gardaí.

Slurry spreaders are also being examined.

Gardaí this evening returned to one of two fields where slurry was spread yesterday. Up to twelve uniformed gardaí holding what appeared to be metal pickers were observed walking in line across the scene slowly.

Dublin-based forensic specialists are also on-site to assist in confirming the identity of the remains.

Gardaí are treating this as a significant development in the case, which was upgraded to a homicide investigation in April.

The remains have not yet been officially identified, gardaí are proceeding with caution until confirmation is made.

Two fields slurry was spread close to Michael Gaine’s farmstead remain sealed off. In a statement this morning, gardaí said a “crime scene has been declared”.

A number of gardaí pictured at the farm in Carrig East, Kenmare. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

“Pending examinations by both the Garda Technical Bureau and the State Pathologist, An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide further information at this time,” the statement said.

Michael Gaine, aged 56, was last seen on Thursday 20 March in Kenmare, but despite extensive searches, no trace of him has been found.

A slurry pit at the farm yard was emptied and searched shortly after he went missing, but nothing was found.

Extensive searches were carried out on surrounding lands by members of the Defence Forces and Kerry Mountain Rescue, as well as volunteers, but no trace of Michael Gaine was found.

On 29 April, almost six weeks after Michael Gaine vanished, the missing person case was upgraded to a homicide inquiry.

Additional reporting by Niall O’Connor and Anne Lucey