A COUPLE of hundred yards beyond the Green Isle Hotel on the Naas Road yesterday morning, a grey BMW drove up the hard shoulder and rammed into the front of a marked Garda van carrying Thomas Clarke to court.
The car forced the van towards the middle of the road and manoeuvred until it blocked it.
Two of the three masked men in the BMW got out. One of them was carrying a handgun, the other a bolt cutter. They smashed the windows of the van - which were not protected by screens - and thrust the handgun through. They waved the gun, shouting at the four prison officers and the Garda driver to release Clarke.
According to a senior Garda spokesman, the men tried to cut Clarke's handcuffs with the bolt cutter. They failed and put the gun to a prison officer's head and ordered him to open the handcuffs. The garda and prison officers were unarmed.
The men left with Clarke in the BMW - which was stolen yesterday morning in Sandycove, Co Dublin - and headed towards' the city. The car was later found abandoned in Dunsink Lane and is being examined by gardai.
Two of the prison officers were taken to St James's Hospital suffering cuts and shock from the incident, which happened around 10.30 a.m. yesterday.
The Garda investigation is being conducted by Det Sgt Tony Hughes in Clondalkin. Clarke was described as 5' 9" in height, with short reddish hair. He was wearing a grey jumper with a black collar, light brown trousers and brown shoes. He was clean shaven with a fair complexion.
. Gardai have appealed for witnesses to the incident. They are also seeking witnesses to the movement of the grey BMW 525 registration number 91 D 31146 on the M50 or Dunsink Lane. Anyone with information should contact Garda at Clondalkin on (01)4574881.