Gardaí are investigating the kidnapping of a woman from her home in Co Kildare.
Mrs Helen Judge (41) was forcibly taken from her home in the village of Allenwood on Sunday night.
Gardaí say she is being held against her will and that a ransom demand of €200,000 has reportedly been received.
Mrs Judge was taken from her home some time between 11 p.m. on Sunday and 3 a.m. on Monday. According to gardaí, she was wearing a nightdress and a lemon-coloured dressing gown. She was believed to be barefoot.
Assistant Commissioner Joe Egan said the Garda are "looking at every line of investigation, with no specific one at this stage".
He said police believed Mrs Judge was wearing her nightclothes because after a search of the family home, it appeared no other clothes were missing.
"We are anxiously waiting to hear of any contact from the abductors, so far that hasn't come," he added.
Mrs Judge is under medical care, and gardaí say they are fearful for her health and safety. She has two sons in their twenties living in the house. One of these raised the alarm.
She is described as being five feet four inches tall, with blonde hair and a distinctive purple birthmark on her left cheek.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 045-527735.
PA