Man found after apparent abduction in Cavan

Richard O’Donovan (31) reportedly dragged from car after it was rammed

Gardaí have said a 31-year-old man reportedly abducted in Cavan yesterday has been located "safe and well".

Earlier officers had issued an appeal and said they were concerned for the safety of Richard O’Donovan, after his car was rammed and he was bundled into an SUV in broad daylight.

It is understood he was treated at Cavan General Hospital earlier.

Mr O'Donovan, with a most recent address in Virginia in Co Cavan, is originally from Navan, Co Meath, but had been living in the Cavan area. He had been residing in Mullagh before moving to the Virginia area in recent months.

READ MORE

Garda sources said they had concerns for his safety after his apparent abduction at around 3.30pm yesterday in a residential area at Swiftbrook Glen, Virginia

Mr O’Donovan was in a blue/grey BMW 3 Series car at the entrance to the Swiftbrook Glen estate when he was rammed by a number of other men in a silver BMW X5 4X4.

The men in the 4X4 then got out of their vehicle, beat their victim and then bundled Mr O’Donovan into the 4X4 before speeding from the scene.

Gardaí said the gang’s 4X4 had a 03 MN registration and they are appealing to anybody who witnessed the ramming and the abduction, or who may have seen Mr O’Donovan in his car or the gang who attacked him, to come forward in confidence at Bailieboro Garda station on 042 9694570.

Sources said the exact circumstances of what occurred and the motive for the attack were not clear.

Conor Lally

Conor Lally

Conor Lally is Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times