Gardaí in Newcastlewest have launched an investigation following the abduction of a Post Office official (male) in Newcastlewest this morning, the 28th June 2011.
At approximately 8.30am this morning the staff member was at the rear of the Post Office when he was confronted by an armed and masked man. The staff member was taken from the scene under duress. A female staff member was contacted and told to take an undisclosed sum of money to a wooded area between Carraig Kerry and Athea in Limerick. This instruction was carried under duress sometime between 11am and 12 noon on today’s date.
At 4pm the male staff member was discovered in the boot of his car (Black BMW 09-LK) in the Templegreen housing estate in Newcastlewest.
Gardaí became aware of the incident and have established an incident room in Newscastlewest Garda Station. The car and the post office are crime scenes and will be subject to technical examination.
Gardaí are appealing for information from the public on any activity which they might have seen in the following areas:
1. Anyone who was in the above named locations overnight or this morning and saw anything suspicious. (Newcastlewest / Carraig Kerry / Athea and Templegreen)
2. Anyone who saw the above described car between the hours of 8am and 4pm today. (28/6/11)
3. Anyone with any information that they believe may assist this investigation.
Both male and female persons involved in this incident were uninjured, however they 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.
The contact details are: Gardaí at Newcastlewest 069-20650, the Garda Confidential Line 1-800-666-111 or any Garda Station.
Garda Press Office.
