The family of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine has made an emotional appeal for information as part of a garda investigation, which has now been reclassified as a homicide inquiry.

Gardaí announced last night (Tuesday April 29) that the investigation into Michael Gaine's disappearance on March 20 had been upgraded based on the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda station.

Gardaí confirmed that “a formal criminal investigation has now commenced”.

In a video posted to the An Garda Síochána Kerry Facebook page today (Wednesday, April 30), Michael's wife Janice said: "He was my best friend, my husband. This whole thing has been devastating.

"He loved his home. He loved his farm, he loved farming. He loved his animals. He loved rallying. He had lots of friends. He was a very popular guy. His disappearance is totally out of character. We knew that from day one," she added.

"If there is anyone that has any information about Michael, do please come forward and talk to the Gardaí. We just want Michael to come home. We want to know what happened to him, because if we can't find Michael, I just don't know what I'm going to do...We just want Michael to come home," Janice Gaine said.

In the same video, Michael's sister Noreen O'Regan said: "Michael was a loving husband, brother, uncle. His nephews and nieces loved him. We are absolutely heartbroken at what has happened. We are devastated. Our lives are shattered.

"Michael went to the farm on March 20, and it was his routine, to his animals. He never returned home. We are devastated and we want him back," Noreen said.

In a statement this evening to coincide with the family's appeal for information, gardaí said that Michael Gaine's disappearance is "completely out of character and entirely at odds with Michael's pattern of behaviour established by the investigation to date".

"A formal criminal investigation has now commenced and Gardaí are seeking information from any person who can assist us in bringing Michael back to his family," gardaí said.

Michael's wife Janice, and the extended family, have also repeated their request for privacy at this time.

"An Garda Síochána appeals to any person who may have any information on what happened to Michael to contact the Garda investigation team. There are person or persons who know what happened to Michael," the garda statement said.

It added: "If you have not been in a position to speak to An Garda Síochána about the information you have, or have already spoken to An Garda Síochána but have more information that you can provide, An Garda Síochána is appealing to you to come forward with that information. Information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Anyone with information can contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any members of An Garda Síochána.