TIMELINE OF MISSING CHILD'S REMAINS BURIED AT WOODS

IT'S the story that has shocked the nation.

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE

But yesterday, gardai investigating the disappearance of little Daniel Aruebose made a major breakthrough when they found a child's skeletal remains near Portrane Road in Donabate.

The following timeline is an in-depth look at how the case exploded open at the end of August bringing us right up to the present day when the discovery was confirmed:

Friday, August 29: Gardai in Swords station are alerted to the case by Tusla - Child and Family Agency. They had earlier been contacted by staff from the Department of Social Protection after concerns about an application for child benefit.

Saturday, August 30: Gardai call to an apartment in Donabate, north Co Dublin, and interview a woman. She tells them her child died around four years ago and has been secretly buried. Officers begin a major investigation.

Sunday, August 31: The apartment is sealed off and gardai carry out a forensic search of it. Nothing of evidential value is found.

The woman also brings gardai to a site on the Portrane Road in Donabate where she says she and the child’s father buried the little boy.

Monday, September 1: Gardai confirm an investigation is underway into the disappearance of a boy from north Dublin. Officers seal off the area of land pointed out by the mother.