Gardaí: Woman’s kidnap ‘random’
However, they have warned women to be extra vigilant, especially if walking alone at night.
Supt Gerry Curley, Dundalk, confirmed there was a joint investigation with the PSNI into the incident, which began at about 12.30am on Friday last.
The victim, in her early 20s, was walking to her home in Dundalk and was close to the Long Walk Shopping Centre when she was accosted by a man.
He forced her into a car driven by a woman known to him. The car was driven across the border.
It is believed it took a number of minor roads and did not use the M1 motorway.
The man and the kidnapped woman were dropped at a house in Newry by the female driver, who then drove off.
After about an hour, the woman managed to escape. The extent of her injuries is unclear but it is believed she was physically assaulted.
Gardaí said the woman, who is not from Dundalk but lives there, was “very traumatised”.
They confirmed that while she had been walking alone, a number of people witnessed what happened.
“There were people who were very helpful to us and their assistance was very important,” said Supt Curley.
He said gardaí were advising women “to be aware of their surroundings”. However, what happened was, “random and a once-off”.
It is understood the PSNI arrested and interviewed two people and a man appeared in court in connection with the incident over the weekend.
