Wife of banker kidnapped in tiger attempt

THE wife of a bank official yesterday became the latest victim of a tiger kidnapping as two men kidnapped her from her home and demanded that her husband hand over cash to secure her release.

With the banker at work at the Bank of Ireland in Raheny, the woman in her 50s was on her own in the house in Skerries in Co Dublin when she answered the front door to two men, who appeared to be in their 20s, after 8am yesterday.

Both had strong Dublin accents and one was wearing a high visibility jacket and carrying a clipboard.

Neither appeared to be carrying guns. They put a pillowcase over her head and abducted her in a Ford Focus hatchback car.

They rang her husband and told him how much money they wanted him to take from the bank for them. It is believed the amount they demanded was more than €100,000.

However, during the course of the morning Gardaí became aware of the incident and put together a comprehensive response team involving both local and national units.

When the kidnappers were unable to secure the money they took the woman to Sheepgrange on the Slane Road in Drogheda and released her at lunchtime. She was reunited with her husband a short time later. She did not sustain any physical injuries.

Gardaí found the Ford Focus found burnt out at the back entrance to the quarry at Mullachrone, Donore, Co Louth.

Following the kidnapping the Bank of Ireland branch was closed and will reopen today at 11am.

Gardaí are appealing for information from the public on any activity in the following areas:

* Hacketstown, Skerries, Co Dublin yesterday morning or in the last 10 days and, in particular, on Monday, April 12 in the late evening when a car was seen parked in the area.

* Any suspicious activity near the Bank of Ireland, Raheny yesterday morning or in the last few days.

* Sheepgrange, Slane Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, where the woman was released.

An incident room has been set up at Balbriggan Garda Station and anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí on 01-8020510 or on the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.