Gardaí are examining DNA found on a missing schoolboy's bag in the hopes of tracing his whereabouts.

Philip Cairns from Rathfarnham in Dublin went missing in October 1986 during his lunch break, his backpack was later recovered close to his home.

Philip disappeared while walking back to Coláiste Éanna where he had been a first-year student for just over a month.

It's understood a woman came forward to Gardaí following an appeal for information, claiming to know who killed the 13 year old.

Philip's family have been informed of the latest developments but the case remains open and gardaí are still appealing for information.

Cathal McMahon of Independent.ie has been following the story: