Woman escapes after car hijacked at petrol station
The victim, believed to be in her mid-20s, was on her way to work when she pulled into a petrol station at White's Cross, a few kilometres north of Cork city.
When she got back into her Ford Ka, she discovered a man hiding in the back seat. He was wearing a balaclava, dark jacket, jeans and gloves.
He ordered her to drive, but didn't give her any directions. He also warned her not to use her mobile phone.
Gardaí know the woman passed through Glanmire before heading towards the east Cork village of Knockraha. At around 10.05am near Glenmore Stores a small shop in an isolated area she saw a woman walking on a narrow road and decided to jump from the car and seek her help.
It is believed the hijacker may have slapped her as she was making her escape. And while he initially chased her, he turned back, set fire to the car and fled the scene.
The Garda Air Support Unit and a garda divisional search team yesterday scoured woodland and fields in the area.
Superintendent Pat Sheahan said gardaí were extremely anxious to catch the man in case he strikes again.
"We are treating the incident very seriously. As you can appreciate, the woman was extremely traumatised. We are hoping to talk to her further when she is able. This man has committed hijacking and false imprisonment," he said.
It is expected that gardaí will question motorists passing the petrol station in White's Cross this morning.
They want to hear from anybody who may have seen a man hanging around the petrol station from 7am to 8.44am yesterday or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the Knockraha, Glanmire or Glounthaune areas.
Anybody with information can contact Glanmire Garda Station at (021) 4821002.
Gardaí have expressed concern at the recent rise in such incidents. Last December a woman had to jump from her car after a man hijacked it at knifepoint in Fermoy, Co Cork. A Polish man was charged in connection with the incident.
Also, two Latvians have been remanded in custody after they allegedly hijacked a woman's car in Dublin city centre last week.
