Gardai are tonight investigating the attempted abduction of a 12-year-old boy from outside his home in Co Galway.
They are appealing for witnesses to the alleged abduction of the child from his house at Beaghmore, Caherlistrane.
A garda spokesman said: "A red coloured car pulled up outside the house of a 12-year-old boy at Beaghmore, Caherlistrane. A man got out of the car and beckoned to the boy to come over under the pretence of asking for directions.
"When the boy went over he was bundled into the back of the car and it took off in the direction of Caherlistrane."
Gardaí revealed the boy's hands were tied behind his back with wire in the car.
At the village of Caherlistrane, the boy said the car turned right at a pub in the village and travelled towards Shrule.
At a crossroads the car stopped and the boy was thrown from the vehicle, which then sped off in the direction of Caherlistrane.
Gardaí said the boy walked along the road and met a man working outside a house who untied him and helped him return home.
Officers asked anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information to offer to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840.