Search for remains may be extended

Police have searched several sites in Monaghan

The search for the body of Charlie Armstrong who disappeared in the Republic of Ireland more than 20 years ago may continue longer than expected.

Gardai excavating the ground near Cullaville in County Monaghan were due to end the dig on Saturday, but it is thought the operation may continue until Monday.

On Friday gardai drained a lake in the townland of Aughrimore.

The father of five from Crossmaglen in County Armagh went missing in 1981 on his way to Mass.

He is one of 'The Disappeared' who is believed to have been murdered by the IRA and secretly buried during the Troubles.

Gardai have already spent nine days searching two areas near Cullaville in south Armagh, close to the border with County Monaghan.

Charlie Armstrong was abducted in 1981

A number of locations have been searched near Carrickmacross, not far from the border with Northern Ireland.

Mr Armstrong's family said their thoughts were with the other families of the Disappeared.

The issue of the Disappeared was highlighted in March 1999 after the IRA admitted killing nine people and gave a commitment to help find their graves.

Excavations

The bodies of three victims were found at unmarked graves after being pinpointed by an IRA intermediary.

After massive excavations of sites on both sides of the Northern Ireland border, the remains of Eamon Molloy, who disappeared in 1975 were found.

John McClory, 17, and Brian McKinney, 23, who were thought to have been murdered in 1978, were later discovered.

Six other bodies have never been found.