GARDAÍ IN ROSCOMMON are investigating the kidnapping of four people and the attempted robbery of a post office in Co Roscommon last night in which one garda sustained minor injuries.

Gardaí say that between 11pm last night and 8am this morning four masked man entered a private house adjoining a post office in Clonfad, Co Roscommon.

The men tied up the sole male occupant of the house before travelling with him to another house in which they abducted two females and a male.

All four where taken back to the house and adjoining post office.

After becoming suspicious local Gardaí went to the post office where they confronted the four suspects and were attacked by the men who, armed with shovels and bars, inflicted minor injuries on one officer.

No one else was physically injured during the incident and no money was taken from the post office.

The four masked men escaped in a green Volkswagon hatchback with a 06-Mayo registration number.

Gardaí say they are continuing to search for these men and have appealed for anyone who was in the area of Clonfad and Williamstown and saw anything suspicious to contact them cat Castlerea on 094 962 1630, the Garda confidential line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.