TWO YOUNG brothers reported missing a week ago in Northern Ireland have been traced to Tipperary.
Fabricio Hovarth, 8, and his brother Patrick, 5, were last seen getting into the back of a black Ford car at around 6pm on Friday May 14, in the Limestone Road area of Belfast.
Gardai now suspect the children may in in the Republic.
Issuing an appeal in support of the PSNI, gardai said it is believed Fabricio and Patrick may be in the North Tipperary area.
The boys are described as both having dark hair at the time of their last sighting.
Patrick was last seen wearing light-coloured bottoms and top with black shoes, while Fabricio had on grey bottoms and a purple and green top.
Gardai tweeted: "An Garda Síochána are issuing a missing person appeal for Patrick & Fabricio in support of the PSNI.
"It is believed that both Patrick and Fabricio may be in the North Tipperary area.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Thurles Gardaí 0504 25100 or the PSNI 0044 2890 650222."
Gardai and police in Northern Ireland are "increasingly concerned" about the welfare of the two missing children.
PSNI Inspector Phil McCullagh said: "We are keen to know that both boys are safe and well. We believe they may be in the company of a relative in Northern Ireland or possibly in Ireland – and so I would appeal to that person to get in touch with police as soon as possible on 101, quoting the reference number 2275 of 14/5/21.
"Both boys are dark-haired and were seen getting into a black Ford car around 6pm on Friday 14 May in the Limestone road area of Belfast. At that time, the younger brother, Patrick, was wearing light-coloured bottoms and top with black shoes. Fabricio was wearing grey bottoms and a purple and green top.
"If any members of the public have any information about the boys or have seen them since Friday evening, I would urge them to contact police immediately.”