Arrest Follows Dublin 'Tiger Kidnapping'

A man has been detained in connection with a so-called tiger kidnapping attempt in Dublin this morning.

According to Gardaí, the incident began shortly after 6.30am when a woman was taken from her Ballyfermot home in a vehicle.

Her kidnappers then demanded the bank official obtain a sum of money from the bank and await instructions. It is believed that up to five people were involved and some are believed to have been armed.

A gardaí spokesman said that just after 12 noon the woman was released and sought assistance from a local resident. She has no physical injuries.

During the course of the morning, Gardaí became aware of the incident and a comprehensive response team was put in place involving both local and national units.

At 12.15pm, members from the Organised Crime Unit supported by the Emergency Response Unit arrested a man in his mid twenties at Kimmage Road West. He is currently detained at Crumlin Garda Station under the Criminal Justice Act. A sum of money was also recovered and no money is outstanding, said the police.

Gardaí in Ballyfermot have launched an appeal into the kidnapping and are appealing for information from the public on any activity, which they might have seen.

Gardaí are especially asking anyone who was in the Ballyfermot Road, Dublin 10 from early this morning and in the last few days, anyone that may have noticed suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Ulster Bank in Lower Kimmage Road this morning or in the last few days and members of the public who may have been in Steeplechase Court, Fairyhouse where the woman was released just after noon today, to come forward.

An incident room has been set up at Ballyfermot Garda Station and anyone with information is asked to contact gardai on 01-6667247 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

See: 'Kidnap' Bank Robbery Suspects Quizzed

(DW/BMcC)