Frightened residents in a quiet Dublin village have warned parents to "protect our young" after a young girl narrowly escaped from an alleged attempted kidnapping.
The terrified girl was out cycling in the discreet north Dublin-Meath border village of Garristown when she was snatched by an alleged abductor.
She managed to break free and make a run for it, but concerned locals fear that "trust is gone out the window" in the area.
Garristown Community Council, a popular local Facebook group, posted about the disturbing incident, urging residents to "look out for each other and know your neighbour".
The post read: "A young girl while cycling her bike on Monday was grabbed, and with intent to abduct. Thankfully she managed to break free but as you can imagine her and her family are upset beyond belief!
"Please keep an eye for anyone who you may be wary of, and protect our young of our parish and surrounding areas. This cannot happen and make your young people aware (without scaring them) that alone unfortunately is not safe.
"They need to look after each other and us as a small community need to know who we are also.
"Trust is gone out the window!
"Look out for each other and know your neighbour. Talk to your kids young and old."
Dublin Live have contacted An Garda Siochana about the frightening incident.
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