A video circulating on social media is not footage of Irish teen Keane Mulready-Woods' murder, gardai say.
Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said that Keane's family were distressed by the pictures and video and asked people not to share it online.
He added that it wasn't helping the investigation, is disrespectful to the victim and is scaring other people including other witnesses,RTE reports.
Fake reports on social media are hindering the garda probe according to the top cop.
Tragic Irish teen Keane was last seen at Dominic's Bridge in Drogheda at 6pm last Sunday.
He didn't answer his phone or reply to messages after that.
Chief Supt Mangan added that anybody taking cocaine contributes to Keane's death through the criminal network and drug economy.
He said: "Just look at the fallout from you buying drugs, it's damaging our children and society."
It was confirmed last night that the human remains found in Dublin are those of the teen, who went missing from his home town of Drogheda, County Louth.
It is believed Keane was abducted and taken to a house in the town where he was murdered and his body dismembered.
Yesterday an intensive forensic examination was carried out at a house in the Rathmullen Park area of the town where it is believed the teen was brought before he met his savage death.
Senior detectives at Drogheda Garda station last night confirmed the remains discovered on a road in Coolock, Dublin, on Monday night are those of the teenager who has an address at Beechwood Drive in Drogheda.
Gardai also said the murder is related to the ongoing feud between two Drogheda criminal gangs which has so far claimed three lives.
Investigators have no explanation as to why the teen’s body was cut up and left at different locations.
Deputy Garda Commissioner, John Twomey said the force is determined to bring those behind “this shocking crime” to justice.
He added: “The level of violence is shocking.
“This is a brutal and savage attack on a child and is completely unacceptable in any normal democratic society.
“It is important to remember that Keane was a child, a young boy, trying to find his way in life, he has now lost his life and his family.”
Gardai tonight appealed for the public not to share any of these images should they come across them.
A spokesman said: "Gardaí investigating the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods are investigating reports of images and videos circulating on social messaging apps.
"These images are unverified at this time.
"They are distressing to Keane’s family and if verified are disrespectful images of the deceased and provide false support to the perpetrators of this brutal crime.
"Gardaí are asking people not to share this material."
Appealing to the public for information on Keane's death, Commissioner Twomey said the victim was was wearing a navy Hugo Boss tracksuit, black Hugo Boss runners (brown sole, black laces), red/orange Canada Goose jacket and a Gucci baseball cap.
Gardai are still searching for his clothes and the Irish Mirror understands they were hunting for them in Drogheda yesterday.
Incident rooms have been established at Drogheda, Coolock and Mountjoy Garda station with the investigation being coordinated from the Co Louth city.
A family liaison officer remains in close contact with Keane’s family.
Gardai have appealed to the public for information from anyone who has knowledge of the teen’s movements from when he was last seen at 6pm in the vicinity of Dominic’s Bridge Drogheda on Sunday.
Anyone with information as to the origin of such material is asked to contact Gardaí at Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, Crime Stoppers 1800 250 025 or any Garda station.
Father Phil Gaffney, Parish Priest at Holy Family Church Ballsgrove, said: “No family or community should have to deal with the suffering that has been inflicted by this barbaric killing.
”We called up the family on Wednesday and at the time, they were just awaiting confirmation that it was Keane and their worst fears were realised a short time later.
”He was two weeks short of his 18th birthday and they were looking forward to celebrating with him.
“It’s unacceptable in any civilized society that anyone receives this kind of death.
“The Gardai were working closely with the family and keeping them updated, they were very supportive and helpful throughout the whole process.
“Absolutely, for the last two years now unfortunately violence and fear is a reality here in Drogheda.
“Ruthless criminals are grooming young teenagers and exploiting them for their own benefit and expanding their own wealth.
“We need all the resources that we can get to invest in eliminating the scourge of drug abuse and crime that is part and parcel of our community for the last two years.
“We’d appeal to the government and different parties to deal with this in our community.”
“They come from all social backgrounds because unfortunately, a vulnerable teenager is led into it with lots of money.
“It’s an everyday worry for parents that their children will be drawn in to it through friends or social media.”
And Catholic Church leader has offered to mediate between the two feuding criminal gangs in Drogheda to stop the violence between them.
Bishop Michael Router, the Auxilliary Bishop of Armagh, who lives in Co Louth, said the those that view people as expendable must be defeated.
He appealed to the families of the gang members and leaders, the wives, mothers, partners and adult children to help settle the feud before more lives are lost.
He said: “The murder of Keane has taken violence to such a point that enough is enough.
“The gangs are grooming children and society needs to take back control so that vulnerable children can be cherished not exploited.
“There are people with“blood on their hands and we all have a responsibility to assist the gardaí to apprehend not just the perpetrators of this evil, but also the gang leaders who orchestrated it.”
