Gardaí investigating the murder of Aoife Phelan in Portloaise have extended their search of a premises outside the town to adjoining lands.

An area near Monasterevin in Co. Kildare is also being searched.

As a result a section of the M7 motorway has been closed and diversions are in place.

The 30-year-old has been missing for 12 days.

She is also 4 months pregnant.

Man being questioned

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder yesterday and is still being questioned at Portlaoise Garda station.

His jeep and phone are also being examined.

Security Editor with the Irish Independent is Tom Brady.

He says the search is moving on today.