Gardaí search for missing man in Laois

Gardaí with sniffer dogs have searched a six-acre site in Co Laois as part of their investigation into the disappearance in April of a man who had been working and living in the midlands. Conor Lally , Crime Correspondent, reports.

Tommy Thompson (59), with addresses in the north of England and Portlaoise, had come to Ireland to work in the construction trade. He worked as a plastering contractor in the midlands before he disappeared in April.

He was last seen in Portlaoise on April 21st and had contacted his family by phone in England on the same date. He regularly contacted his wife and other family members in England.

However, following his phone call of April 21st, they heard nothing from him and efforts to contact him failed. They became concerned for his safety and gardaí were contacted.

Initial Garda inquiries established that Mr Thompson had not been seen by neighbours at his home on Borris Road, Portlaoise, or by people with whom he was in regular contact.

A missing person's inquiry was established immediately. Gardaí became aware that Mr Thompson had fallen out with a number of people he knew through his work. While they could not be certain he had been killed, he has being treated by gardaí as missing, presumed dead.

Two men, both foreign nationals, quickly became the centre of the Garda's investigation.

They knew Mr Thompson well and have continued to live at two addresses in the midlands since his disappearance. Earlier this week gardaí searched both their houses and arrested them.

Both men have been detained by gardaí since Tuesday.

Gardaí are now satisfied that both men have information about Mr Thompson's disappearance and the possible location of his body.

Local gardaí and members of the Garda Dog Unit began a search early yesterday of a six-acre patch of land between Stradbally and Portlaoise.

The search continued throughout yesterday and yielded nothing. However, reliable sources said the site may be re-examined in coming days.

Gardaí have appealed for anybody with information to contact them in Portlaoise on (057) 8674100.

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times