Philip Cairns

GARDAÍ HAVE CONFIRMED that no forensic evidence was found that could link Philip Cairns to the convicted paedophile Eamon Cooke.

Philip Cairns went missing in Rathfarnham on 23 October 1986. An investigation into the 13-year old’s disappearance was renewed after new evidence was brought forward recently, linking Cairns’s disappearance to Eamon Cooke.

However, DNA evidence from the missing boy’s bag wasn’t linked to “any named person”, the gardaí have confirmed.

In a statement, the gardaí said:

The cross referencing of DNA profiles with those on the items recovered as part of this investigation has not established a link with any individuals named.

It is understood that Eamon Cooke has not been ruled out as a suspect.

Investigation are still ongoing.

Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on the garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any garda station.