A 64 year old man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Mary Boyle in Co Donegal in 1977.

Mary Boyle, went missing while on a visit to her grandparents home in Cashelard, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal on 18 March 1977.

She was 6 years old at the time and had been visiting with her family accompanied by her parents and siblings when she disappeared.

A review team based in the Northern Region is believed to have uncovered new information which led to the arrest today of a 64 year old man.

He is being questioned for alleged kidnapping and is being detained at Mullingar Garda Station under the Criminal Justice Act.

There have been two reviews by Gardai into Mary's disappearance. The latest began in 2011 and Gardai say this has been a significant investigation that has involved interviewing a wide range of people and undertaking a number of searches with the assistance of forensic and geology experts. 

Speaking today, Assistant Commissioner Northern Region Kieran Kenny said: "We are appealing for anyone with any information on the circumstances around Mary's disappearance to contact us. Even something that people may have thought was insignificant at the time could help us advance the continuing investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Incident Room at Ballyshannon Garda Station at 071 9858530 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

A Family Liaison Officer has been continuously liaising with Mary’s mother, Ann Boyle, to keep her informed of developments including today’s arrest.