Concerns are growing for the safety of two Limerick city brothers who were abducted near their homes more than 20 hours ago.
Mr Eddie Ryan Jnr (20) and Kieran Ryan (19) were with a friend when they were approached by two armed youths at around 10.30 p.m. in the Ballynanty area of Limerick city. Following a struggle the youths were bundled into a car and driven away.
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Mr Edward Ryan (20) Killeely, Limerick, who is missing, believed abducted.
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A third young man who was with the brothers when they were abducted told Gardaí at least one shot had been fired during the incident. It is understood a shot hit the man's clothing.
Gardai are continuing a large-scale search for the brothers. A garda helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft have conducted sweeps of the city and also the Cratlow Woods which are close to the city. A garda unit also carried out an extensive search of that region today.
Officers said they believe the abduction may be linked to a family feud. Two years ago the men's father, Eddie Ryan Snr, was shot dead while drinking in a bar in Limerick.
Supt Willie Keane, leading the investigation, said officers were extremely concerned about the brothers.
"It is obviously a very serious situation," he said.
"These two young men are missing since between 10.20 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. last evening and I would appeal to anyone who would be holding them at the moment to release them unharmed."
He appealed for anybody with information on the incident to contact Limerick gardaí.