Gardai have expressed concern over the welfare of a pregnant teenager missing since Tuesday. Ms Melissa Darby (14), is believed to be in the company of a 28-year-old man. She was last seen at Mullingar General Hospital.
Gardai last night had made phone contact with the man and were attempting to locate Ms Darby who is not thought to have left the country.
She is described as 4 ft 10 in with fair to brown hair and a pale complexion. She was last seen wearing a dark bulky jacket, dark trousers with overshirt and white runners.
The man, from Co Longford, is described as 6 ft, of slim build with a very pale complexion. He has dull brown hair, prominent front teeth, speaks with a midlands accent and, according to gardai, walks with a distinctive crouched gait. Ms Darby had been detained in a support unit in Mullingar since last week on the orders of the High Court. She was taken to hospital on Tuesday having complained of stomach pains.
Gardai have no concerns about the girl's safety but say she needs to be back in the safe care of the health board.
Anyone with information is asked to contact their local garda station or gardai at Mullingar at 044-84000