Investigation into missing Fiona Pender upgraded to murder probe

An investigation into the disappearance of Fiona Pender from Co Offaly almost 30 years ago has been upgraded to a murder probe.

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.

On Monday, Gardai said based on the information available, the missing person investigation had been re-classified as a murder investigation.

A search operation was launched on open ground in Co Offaly, which will be excavated and technically and forensically examined over the coming days.

Over the past 28 years, An Garda Siochana said they have carried out “significant” inquiries into what happened to Fiona.

This includes thousands of documents and reports, 300 statements of evidence and a number of exhibits.

Extensive searches have been carried out and five people were arrested over the years in connection with the investigation.

A fresh appeal for information has been issued to anyone with any information to come forward and speak to the investigation team.

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

“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.”