Gardaí in Drogheda have launched an investigation following the abduction of an official of An Post, his partner and their child from a house in the Drogheda area.
Last night (1/8/11) at approximately 10pm a number of men, at least one of whom was believed to be armed entered the officials house. They were forced to remain there for a number of hours before they were all taken to another location.
This morning ( 2/08/11) the official went to the Post Office at West Street, Drogheda. The official operating under duress then went to a specified location and handed over a sum of money.
During the course of the morning Gardai became aware of the incident and a comprehensive response team was put in place involving both local and national units.
Shortly after 1pm today, the An Post officials partner and child were released unharmed at Damastown, Dublin 15 (on the Tyrrelstown to Clonee Road).
Gardaí are appealing to the public for information and in particular any suspicious activity at the following locations:
1. Forest Park housing estate in Drogheda from yesterday evening and up to midday today.
2. The Post Office at West Street, Drogheda from early this morning.
3. Damastown, Dublin 15 on the Tyrrelstown to Clonee Road between 11am and 1.30pm.
4. Summerseat Housing Estate, Clonee (Clonee to Lucan Road) where a Silver Opel Corsa car was discovered burned out at approximately 11.30am today.
5. Any unusual or suspicious activity over the past days and weeks in the general Drogheda area.
The family have been through a traumatic experience and while we appreciate any assistance that media can give us in appealing for information on this crime, we would ask that they respect the privacy of the individuals involved as far as possible.
An incident room has been set up at Drogheda Garda Station and anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai on 041 9838777 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
