Armed man hijacks car with baby inside at Phoenix Park

Couple subjected to a traumatic ordeal as thief initially drove off with their child

SUV with a one-year-old inside was hijacked at the Conyngham Road, Islandbridge exit from the Phoenix Park on Sunday. Photograph: Collins Photos
SUV with a one-year-old inside was hijacked at the Conyngham Road, Islandbridge exit from the Phoenix Park on Sunday. Photograph: Collins Photos

Gardaí are continuing to search for a Wexford-registered car which was hijacked from a couple in Dublin's Phoenix Park while their baby was still inside.

The couple were leaving the park through the Conyngham Road exit at about 11.15pm on Sunday when a man armed with a knife approached and forced them from the car.

Neither was injured but were said to be traumatised when the attacker then got into the SUV and drove away while the couple’s one-year-old child was still in the backseat.

The attacker quickly stopped the vehicle before returning and ordering the couple to take the child from the car. The baby was unhurt

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A Garda source said the incident was “every parent’s worst nightmare” and while the couple were uninjured, they were understandably upset at what had happened.

The car is understood to be a 181 model grey Nissan Qashqai. It has yet to be recovered.

In a statement gardaí said: “A SUV vehicle was exiting the Phoenix Park when a male approached the vehicle and threatened the driver and passenger (male & female).

“Suspect was armed with a knife. Both male and female were pulled from the vehicle, no injuries sustained.

“Suspect then drove SUV from scene with a 1 year old child in the back seat, vehicle stopped and suspect ordered parties to take child from vehicle. No direction of travel. The SUV is still listed as stolen.”

Gardaí at Kevin Street, Dublin are investigating the incident. Anyone who was in the area of Conyngham Road, Islandbridge late on Sunday who may have seen the altercation is asked to contact Kevin Street Garda station on 01-6669400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800666111 or any Garda station.

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien is an Irish Times journalist