Gardai examine whether body may be that of missing Johnstown resident (50)

Gardai have yet to confirm the identity of a woman's remains that were washed up at the mouth of the River Boyne on Sunday afternoon. It is understood that dental records and DNA testing are to be used to identify the badly decomposed female remains which were discovered by a walker near Baltray, Co Louth, at around 2pm on Sunday. A post mortem examination was carried out on Monday afternoon and it is expected that it could be a further day or two before the body's identity can be confirmed pending further tests. The investigation into the discovery is being led by Drogheda Gardai who are examining files on missing women. One line of enquiry being examined is whether the remains are those of Lithuanian woman Ana Larkina, who went missing from her Johnstown, Navan, home almost a year ago. Ms Larkina (50) left her home at Chestnut Hall, Old Johnstown, between 8.30am and 10am on Sunday morning, 15th November 2009. Despite extensive searches of the River Boyne by Meath River Rescue, Meath Fire Service and Meath Civil Defence, no trace of Ms Larkina was ever found. Some months after Ms Larkina's disappearance, a renewed appeal for information featured on RTE's 'Crimecall' programme but it is understood that no new information emerged following that appeal. Local Gardai have been liaising with Ms Larkina's family following the discovery of the remains at the weekend. Gardai are also investigating whether the remains could be those of a woman who went missing from Wexford some time ago.