Updated, 16.20

GARDAÍ HAVE BEGUN an investigation into a tiger kidnapping in Co Kildare last night, in which at least four men tried to force a senior staff member at the GPO to steal €100,000 from his workplace.

At least four armed and masked men were involved in the raid, which began shortly after 9:30pm last night when the men forced their way into the home of Liam O’Sullivan, a senior executive at An Post, in the Fennore area of Co Kildare.

RTÉ News said O’Sullivan’s wife and two children were abducted and taken hostage, while O’Sullivan himself was instructed to attend work at the GPO on Dublin’s O’Connell Street and told to leave a package containing €100,000 in a designated place for collection.

A Garda operation was put in place after Mrs O’Sullivan escaped early this morning, however, and no money was handed over to the gang. She was reunited with her family later in the morning, and is understood to be unhurt but traumatised by the incident.

A Garda spokesman said an inquiry into the abduction was ongoing, and later appealed for witnesses who may have spotted any unusual activity in either Fennore or the Rolestown area of Co Dublin.

Gardaí also sought information on two cars which they believe were used in the kidnapping: a silver Mercedes, registration number 11 D 13049, and a silver Honda CRV with the registration number 05 DL 42570.

Any information that may be of use with Gardaí can be left with the Newbridge station at (045) 440180 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.

The Irish Postmasters Union has condemned the action and underlined that most An Post employees do not have access to cash.