Search begins in Laois as part of Fiona Pender murder investigation

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

A search on open ground in Co Laois has begun on Wednesday as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender.

Gardaí announced last week that they would excavate lands in Co Offaly as part of their investigation into the disappearance of Fiona Pender almost 30 years ago, which has been upgraded to a murder probe.

On Wednesday, they announced open grounds in Co Laois would be subjected to excavation, technical and forensic examinations.

Ms Pender, who was aged 25 and seven months pregnant when she went missing, was last seen at around 6am on August 23 1996 at her flat in Church Street in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Over the past 28 years, An Garda Síochána said they have carried out various inquiries and collated 300 statements of evidence and a number of exhibits.

“Investigating gardaí continue to appeal to any person with any information in relation to the disappearance of Fiona in the early morning of Friday 23rd August 1996, who has not spoken to Gardai, to please come forward and speak to our investigation team,” a Garda statement said.

“Gardaí continue to appeal to any person who may have previously come forward who felt they could not provide gardaí with all the information they had in relation to this matter, to contact the investigation team again.

“An Garda Siochana appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, or any Garda Station.

“Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”