Fiona Pender was seven months pregnant at the time of her disappearance

Fiona Pender went missing in August 1996 when she was seven months pregnant.

No person has been brought to justice for the disappearance and murder of Fiona at this time. Her remains have also never been found.

Today, Gardaí launched a search operation on open ground on location in Co. Offaly.

This area of land will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations over the coming days.

Gardaí in Laois and the Offaly Garda Division have carried out a sustained investigation over the last 28 years. Significant enquiries have been carried out to establish Fiona’s whereabouts.

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

Over the course of this investigation, the team has discovered and collated thousands of documents and reports. The team has also taken in excess of 300 statements of evidence and retained a number of exhibits.

Extensive searches have been carried out following Fiona Pender's disappearance in 1996.

Five people have also been arrested and detained during this investigation.

Gardaí confirmed today that the case has been upgraded to a murder investigation based on information gathered by the investigation team.

Gardaí issued an update on the Fiona Pender case

"Based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team, An Garda Síochána can confirm that this missing person investigation has been re-classified as a murder investigation.

"Fiona was last seen at approximately 6 am on the morning of Friday, 23rd August 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 7 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."

Anyone with relevant information about the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender can contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600.

You can also contact Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.