Gardaí are investigating the kidnapping of a family in Dublin this morning.

A mother and daughter, aged in their 50s and 20s, were taken from their house on Gracefield Road, Artane, north Dublin, at around 5am this morning by three armed and masked men who had forced their way in.

They were tied up in the back of a 09 registered, white or silver VW Caddy van in Dunboyne Co Meath and driven around for several hours.

“Thankfully the victims involved have not suffered any physical injury but are naturally traumatised by the events,” a Garda spokesman said.

A localised Garda-related incident is underway at the airport. Flight operations are continuing as normal. We can't comment on the incident. — Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 3, 2015

They were held hostage while the gang forced the father, who works for a cash-in-transit firm, to drive a GSLS security van from south Dublin this morning and deliver up to €200,000 to the gang at Corballis Road Business Park in Dublin Airport.

Gardaí examine a GSLS security cash in transit van in the cargo area of Dublin Airport this morning after the incident. Picture Colin Keegan.

The mother and daughter were found safe and well in Chestnut Grove estate, Dunboyne, Co Meath.

It is understood armed detectives arrived after the gang had left the area and three employees from the company, including the man initially targeted, were found locked into the rear of the vehicle.

A forensic examination was carried out at the airport before gardaí removed the cash in transit van and another van.

Gardaí at Coolock are investigating and no arrests have so far been made.

Armed Gardaí approach a security cash in transit van in the cargo area of Dublin Airport this morning. Picture Colin Keegan.

Gardaí are appealing for the public's help in the following locations between 8pm last night and 8am this morning:

Any suspicious activity between the Artane Roundabout, Gracefield Road and its environs.

Any suspicious activity in respect of a 09D Volkswagon Caddy Silver/White at Gracefield Road, Artane, Chesnut Grove, Dunboyne or between those locations.

Gardaí are also appealing for information on a small white box type van which was parked in the vincinity of Corballis Road Business Park, Dublin Airport between 7am and 8.30am today.

An incident room has been set up at Coolock Garda Station and anyone with information is asked to contact gardai on 01-6664200 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.