Detectives are probing the suspected abduction of a man who was seen being bundled in to the back of a car.

The victim, believed to be Richard O'Donovan, was last seen in the Swiftbrook Glen estate in Virginia, Co Cavan, at 3.30pm.

Witnesses reported a silver BMW X5 Jeep, registration number 03 MN, colliding with a Blue/Grey BMW 3 series car at the entrance of the estate.

A Garda spokesman said: "The occupants of the jeep bundled the driver of the car into the BMW X5 jeep and drove out of the estate."

The second car involved was traced back to Mr O'Donovan.

The 31-year-old, whose most recent address is in Virginia, has several previous convictions for public order and traffic offences but is not believed to be a major figure in the crime world.

Searches for the man are ongoing.

Gardai from Baileiboro Garda Station are appealing for witnesses to the incident or anyone who observed or who knows the whereabouts of the silver BMW X5 or Mr O'Donovan, to contact them on 042 9694570.

PA Media