Lunchtime attempt to abduct mother and baby

Gardai are investigating the attempted abduction of a young woman while she was out walking with her four-month-old daughter near Tallow in Co Waterford at lunchtime on Tuesday.

The woman, in her mid-20s, was pushing her baby's buggy on the Midleton road at about 1.30 p.m. when a man in a red Opel Astra stopped and offered her a lift.

When she declined he attempted to drag her into the car, but left at speed in the direction of Midleton when another motorist arrived and asked the woman if she was all right. This driver also left the scene after the assailant's car drove off, and gardai at Dungarvan appealed yesterday for him to contact them.

The incident happened about 200 yards outside the village of Tallow. Sgt Mick Lacey said the woman did not get a registration number but had given a description of the man. He was aged between 20 and 30, had black hair and a very pale complexion, was clean-shaven and of "strong build".

He wore a black T-shirt with white writing. She believes he may have a local accent.

"We would like anyone who was in the area at the time, and who may have seen the Opel Astra, to contact us, particularly the second motorist who might have seen part of a registration number or noticed anything else which might be useful," Sgt Lacey said.

He said the woman had not been physically injured but was very upset.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dungarvan Garda station at (058) 42370 or Tallow station at (058) 56222.