The search operation launched for a missing couple has been stood down.

Gardaí have said that a search launched last Friday into the disappearance and murder of William Maughan and Anastasija Varslavane has not brought forward any substantial evidence.

The pair were last seen in Gormanston in County Meath, in April 2015.

The couple had been living in a caravan in Gormanstown, Co. Meath prior to their disappearance, however, they had decided to return to Mr Maughan's family home in Tallaght.

Timeline

On the morning of Tuesday, April 14th, 2015, Mr Maughan went to Balbriggan and Ms Varslavane followed shortly afterwards.

They ran errands together and arranged for Mr Maughan's mother to travel from Tallaght to Gormanstown to collect the couple and their belongings.

At 2.30pm, Mr Maughan spoke to his mother and asked her to drive to Gormanstown.

The couple got a taxi from Balbriggan to Gormanstown shortly after.

Gardai during a search in north County Dublin for a man and woman who are missing and believed to be murdered. 16/11/2024 Image: Alamy

Mr Maughan's mother arrived in Gormanstown just before 3pm, but she could not locate her son.

She then drove to Stamullen to look for him before returning to Gormanstown where she called her son's mobile number.

The call went straight to voicemail, and she reported the couple as missing.

Their missing persons case was upgraded to a murder investigation the following year.

Ongoing investigation

Seven people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of the couple, and investigations are ongoing.

A search of open lands in north county Dublin had been taking place, but will now conclude after Gardaí discovered nothing of evidential value.

Gardaí are still appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

Split image: R, William Maughan and Anastasija Varslavane, L, search site for the couple.