Updated 10am

GARDAÍ AND THE PSNI are investigating a kidnapping that targeted a Belfast business earlier this week.

The PSNI confirmed that the investigation is in the early stages and both forces are working together to find the culprits.

The reported tiger kidnapping took place in the Lagmore area of West Belfast on Wednesday 17 August at around 10pm when a woman and her teenage son were abducted after armed men forced their way into their home.

Her husband, who works for a cash in transit company, was forced to attend work as usual on Thursday.

Thieves then made off with a substantial sum of cash, believed to be more than £200,000, from his vehicle yesterday afternoon.

Police were alerted to the incident on Thursday evening and were then contacted by An Garda Síochána.

The gardaí had discovered the woman and her son after they responded to a report of a burnt out van on the Castleblayney Road in County Monaghan at around 8pm.

Though they were not injured, the family are said to be extremely traumatised following their ordeal.

Police on both sides of the border are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the Lagmore area on Wednesday evening or the Newtownhamilton to Castleblayney Road on Thursday evening to contact detectives on 0845 600 8000 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.