The skeleton found on a Dublin mountainside has been confirmed as that of a young woman – but relatives of missing American student Annie McCarrick may have to wait weeks before its identity is known.

Speculation is rife in the Irish media that the skeletal remains could be that of McCarrick who disappeared in 1993 less than five miles from the scene of the discovery.

The 26-year-old had been studying in Dublin and was last spotted in the tourist pub Johnie Fox’s pub on an April night in 1993.

She was seen in the company of a burly man and police believe she was murdered.

Officers have now confirmed that the remains found by a hill walker on Friday night are those of a woman.

The Irish Sun reports that police are awaiting DNA tests before they can ascertain the identity of the woman.

McCarrick is one of 20 missing women to be linked with the discovery.

Relatives in America are aware of the find and police have promised to expedite their search.

They are combing the area for more bones and clues after finding a pair of trainers and torn tracksuit bottoms near the site.

A post-mortem was carried out on the skeleton on Sunday and further tests are to be completed.
The clothing and trainers are being forensically examined.

Officers from Ireland’s Cold Case unit are involved in the investigation.

Test results may not be available for a week at the earliest.

The report says police have also not ruled out the possibility that the remains could be those of 39-year-old Eva Brennan, who went missing in south Dublin three months after Annie.