Gardaí at Balbriggan are investigating the abduction of the spouse of a bank official from her home in Hacketstown, Skerries, Co. Dublin, today.
According to gardaí, two men arrived at the house shortly after 8am and took the woman away in a car after covering her head. The men demanded that the bank official hand over a sum of money to them.
It is understood the woman phoned her husband at the Bank of Ireland branch in Raheny, telling him about the kidnap and a ransom demand of at least €100,000.
During the morning, gardaí became aware of the so-called tiger kidnapping, and a response team was set up involving both local and national units. At about 1pm today, the woman was released, uninjured, at Sheepgrange, Slane Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, and no money was handed over.
Gardaí said both men involved in the incident appeared young, possibly in their 20s, and had strong Dublin accents. One male wore a high visibility jacket and was carrying a clipboard.
Gardaí are appealing for information from the public on any suspicious activity people may have seen in Hacketstown from early this morning, over the past ten days and on Monday, April 12th, in particular, when a car was seen parked in the area.
They are also seeking details on anything activity of note around Bank of Ireland, Raheny, this morning or in the past few days, or at the location of the woman's release at Sheepgrange.
An appeal has also been made for information on a silver Ford Focus hatchback car that was found burnt out at the back entrance to the quarry at Mullachrone, Donore, Co Louth.
An incident room has been set up at Balbriggan Garda station, and gardaí can be contacted on 01-8020510 or the Garda confidential line on 1800 666111.
