Gardaí in Salthill, Galway, are investigating the abduction of a teenage French student as she walked home through a city suburb.
The incident occurred at about 8.30pm on Sunday in the Knocknacarra area of the city.
The teenager, who managed to escape, is said to be in a very distressed state. Members of her family are believed to be travelling from France to be with her.
Supt Mick Curley of Salthill Garda station said that the girl, who is believed to have been studying English, was returning to her host family when a small red car pulled up beside her and the driver forced her into it. She was driven around for about 15 to 20 minutes, and managed to make an escape close to the Galway Cathedral area.
Gardaí investigating the abduction believe that the driver may have been about 40 to 50 years old, of stout build with fair hair and wearing a white top or sweatshirt. The red or maroon car may have been a four-door hatchback. The driver, who was alone, was not known to the girl.
A man and a woman came to the teenager's assistance near Galway Cathedral, and gardaí are anxious to speak to them to compile a more detailed picture of the sequence of events. The matter is being treated very seriously, Supt Curley said.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Salthill Garda station in Galway on 091-514720.
