Fresh search in Laois for murdered Offaly woman Fiona Pender

Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender in August 1996 have commenced a search operation on open ground in Laois. 

This is the second search in recent days and follows the conclusion of a dig on land at Graigue, Killeigh, Co Offaly on Tuesday evening.

The latest search is taking place near Clonaslee, not far from the location of a 2014 search for Fiona Pender’s remains at Capard, Rosenallis. 

Gardaí say the area of land will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations. 

This search forms part of a sustained investigation carried out by Gardaí in Laois/ Offaly Garda Division over the last 28-years to establish Fiona’s whereabouts and to investigate the circumstances in which Fiona disappeared.

Fiona’s remains have never been located.

No person has been brought to justice for the disappearance and murder of Fiona at this time.

Pictured above: Gardaí have closed a road near Clonsalee Community Centre which leads up to the new search site

The investigation continues to be led by a Senior Investigating Officer.

Fiona was last seen at approximately 6am on the morning of Friday, August 23, 1996 when she was at her flat on Church Street, Tullamore.

Fiona was described as being 5'5" in height, with long blonde hair. She was 25 years of age at the time she went missing. Fiona was wearing bright coloured clothing and white leggings. She was seven months pregnant at the time of her disappearance.

Investigating Gardaí continue to appeal to any person with any information in relation to the disappearance of Fiona in the early morning of Friday 23rd August 1996, who has not spoken to Gardaí, to please come forward and speak to our investigation team.

Pictured above: The Irish Aviation Authority has imposed flight restrictions around the search area

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

READ MORE: Search concludes in Offaly for murdered Laois woman

An Garda Síochána 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.