Gardaí say the investigation into the disappearance of Offaly woman Fiona Pender is ongoing, despite a search in county Laois being called off.

The search had been focused in a specific part of a forest in Portlaoise since December 8th. The search was concluded yesterday evening after no remains were found.

Fiona was 25-years-old and seven months pregnant when she disappeared from her flat at Church Street, Tullamore, on Friday 23rd August in 1996.

The 18-year-old missing persons inquiry was revived earlier this year, after a woman came forward with new information.

Originally posted at 16.06