Fears were growing last night for the safety of mother-of-three Ms Helen Judge who was kidnapped from her home in Kildare more than two days ago.
Ms Judge (41) was taken from her home in the village of Allenwood between midnight on Sunday and 2 a.m. on Monday. An anonymous male caller contacted the Judge home shortly afterwards, seeking a ransom of €200,000 for her safe return.
By late last night, the kidnappers still had not made further contact with gardaí. Ms Judge takes daily medication for a heart condition and gardaí have expressed concern about her health.
Two of Ms Judge's sons live with her and one of them was in the house when she was abducted but did not hear anything. When another son returned home at about 2 a.m., he raised the alarm.
Ms Judge's husband Liam is thought to be on the Continent. Gardaí said he would be contacted. Mr Judge does not live in Allenwood on a full-time basis but the couple has not officially separated.
Gardaí would not comment on media reports linking Mr Judge with Ms Tracy Gilligan, the daughter of convicted drug dealer John Gilligan. Mr Judge is involved in the haulage business.
Gardaí also said they could not comment on reports that a Dublin-based gang was responsible for the abduction.
Garda spokesman Insp Ray McHugh said there had been no sign of a struggle in the house and officers did not know how many people were involved in the abduction.
Gardaí had initiated a media blackout on Monday.
Kildare village stunned by abduction: page 4