Two investigations launched into abduction of a HSE employee by a patient

Gardaí and the Health Service Executive have launched separate investigations into an incident at a centre for troubled young people in Limerick where an employee was threatened by knife point by a patient.

The incident happened in Coovagh House which is on the grounds of St Joseph's Psychiatric Hospital at 10.30 last night.

A resident of the Coovagh house centre for troubled youths is believed to have hijacked a male employee and forced him to drive his car to Dublin.

Gardaí in Portlaoise stopped the car on the Dublin Road near Newbridge in Co Kildare at around midnight.

The occupant, a teenager who is originally from Dublin, was brought to Portlaoise Garda station where he is being held under section four of the criminal justice.

He can be detained for up to 24 hours before he is charged.

Gardaí are continuing with the investigation.