Abandoned 4x4 may have been used by tiger gang

AN abandoned 4x4, found in a wood at Dundrum, Co Tipperary, early yesterday morning by a local farmer has been brought to Dublin for forensic examination.

Gardaí believe this BMW X5 was used by one of the gang members who tied up a businessman and his family in Galway on Sunday.

Two men have been charged in connection with the crime, and a third man was arrested yesterday.

Gardaí believe the vehicle was used by one of the men, who is still at large, while searches for a fifth man are continuing in Dublin.

Businessman Julien Flynn, his wife Emma, and three of their four young children were restrained by a gang of five armed and masked men who forced their way into their home in Lackagh, Claregalway, at 8.45pm last Sunday night.

Ms Flynn happened to be on the phone to her mother, Colette Whelan, at the time. When her daughter dropped the phone suddenly, Ms Whelan became suspicious.

She first rang Mr Flynn’s sister and husband who live next-door to the Flynns in Lackagh, and moments later the gardaí.

The second couple went to the house to investigate and were led inside at gunpoint and tied up by the gang.

Garda Alan Keane and Garda Bernice Mulderrig, who were in uniform and unarmed, went to the house at about 9pm.

All members of the Flynn family were released.