Gardaí are examining DNA profiles in the case of boy who has been missing from Dublin for 30 years.

Last night, Gardaí confirmed they had opened new lines of inquiry into the disappearance of schoolboy Philip Cairns in the 1980’s.

Philip Cairns went missing from Rathfarnham, Dublin in October in 1986.

The 13-year-old went home from school home during his lunch break, but never returned.

Gardaí have said new information came to light following a 25-year anniversary appeal in 2011.

As a result, a member of the public came forward and last month gave a statement to investigating officers at Rathfarnham Garda Station.

It is now claimed a convicted sex offender may have been involved in his disappearance.

Eamon Cooke passed away last week and Gardaí are understood to have interviewed him recently after a woman came forward with new information.

Gardaí are interviewing people and cross-referencing DNA profiles with samples found on items recovered as part of the original investigation.

In a statement Gardaí have said at this point in time these new lines of inquiry have not yet yielded positive results, however they added the investigation is very much active and ongoing.