An investigation has been launched after a man's grave was dug up in Tallaght in Dublin.
Michael 'Bobby' Maughan a father-of-four, died in 2008 after suffering from meningitis. This week soil was removed from his plot in the Bohernabreena Cemetery.
Michael's family are involved in an appeal to help find his brother William, who disappeared along with his partner Anna in April last year.
The Maughan family fear their son was murdered and have been publicly appealing for information.
It is believed Michael's grave was targeted yesterday in a bid to warn the Maughan family to stop appealing for information about the missing couple.
Martin Grant, journalist with the Independent Group, says the grave was destroyed in the middle of the night.
Martin told Pat Kenny: "It is believed three men dug up this grave. They were spotted leaving the cemetery at around 6-7am in the morning.
"The shovels that were used to dig the graves were also left behind. The shovels are described as basically being brand new... So gardaí have collected that evidence, and forensics attended the grave yesterday," he added.
Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, said: “I have no doubt that this latest appalling act will not deter the Maughan family and along with others, I would encourage more and more people to join with them in seeking justice for William Maughan and Anna Varslavane.”