A criminal investigation has been launched after a man’s grave was dug up in Tallaght in Dublin.

Michael Maughan died from meningitis in 2008, but earlier this week soil was removed from his plot in the Bohernabreena cemetery.

Michael’s family are involved in an appeal to help find his brother William who disappeared along with his partner Anna in April last year.

The Maughan family fear that William was murdered and have been publicly appealing for information surrounding his disappearance.

Media reports suggest that three men dug up the grave, in the middle of the night.

Witnesses say they saw the men leaving the cementary at around 5-6am the next morning.