Investigation into disappearance of woman in 2013 upgraded to murder

Updated / Friday, 7 Feb 2025 11:13

North East Correspondent

The investigation into the disappearance of a 24-year-old woman in 2013 has been upgraded to a murder inquiry.

Elizabeth Clarke has not been seen since November 2013.

The mother of two lived in Navan, Co Meath. She had previously lived in both Portrane in north county Dublin and Bettystown, Co Meath, with her family.

She was officially reported missing by her family in January 2015 and a full investigation into her disappearance was launched.

Gardaí carried out extensive previous enquiries, including house-to-house enquiries, land searches, canal and river searches assisted by the Garda Water Unit and Meath River Rescue.

Gardaí this morning confirmed they have upgraded this investigation to murder and that they are also searching a property in Co Meath.

The search is being led by gardaí from the Meath Serious Crime Hub based at Navan Garda Station and supported by the Meath Divisional Search Team and the Garda National Technical Bureau.

A Forensic Archaeologist will also assist if required.

The search is expected to take a number of days to complete.

Gardaí said they have been and continue to keep Ms Clarke’s family fully updated in relation to the investigation and they have been fully appraised of all of today’s developments.

The investigation is being led and coordinated by a senior investigating officer.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone with information in relation to the disappearance and murder of Ms Clarke to contact them.

In a statement, they said: “Given the time frame of this investigation, gardaí are asking the public that if they have any information in relation to the disappearance and murder of Elizabeth and for some reason held back on information they may have had, to come forward now.

“An Garda Síochána wish to reassure them that they will be treated sensitively.”

Anyone with information in relation to the investigation is asked to contact at Navan Garda Station at 046 9036100, the Garda Confidential telephone line 1800 666 111 or any garda station.