Gardaí searching for a missing Co Donegal woman have discovered skeletal remains near Ballintra in south Co Donegal.
A house, a shed and a field at Ballybuglin near Ballintra were sealed off earlier yesterday for forensic examination as part of the search for mother of four Ms Dolores McCrea.
Ms McCrea (36) has not been seen since Tuesday evening when she left her home for nearby Donegal town to take part in a women's darts match. She never arrived at the game and hasn't been seen since.
A search operation got under way when Ms McCrea failed to turn up for work on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Garda press office said last night: "Skeletal remains have been discovered and the services of the State Pathologist have been requested to determine if these are human or otherwise."
The spokesperson said the remains were discovered near Ballintra.
The scene was preserved overnight with forensic teams due to begin work at first light.
Earlier Ms McCrea's eldest daughter, Sharon, issued an appeal to her mother to return home. "Mum, please come home, we all love you," she said yesterday.
Mrs McCrea's other daughters are 14-year-old Laura, Tanya (6) and Leona (4). "We miss her terribly and we love her," Sharon said.
Ms McCrea worked in a local bar and was wearing a black jacket or red cardigan when last seen. She is five feet seven inches in height and has short brown hair with highlights.