Updated at 12:00pm

GARDAÍ HAVE LAUNCHED an investigation into the attempted kidnapping of a security company employee, his wife and their tw0-year-old son this morning near Athy, Co Kildare.

Four armed and masked men tried to take the family hostage as the man left for work this morning at around 5am in Kilmeade.

The gang fled on foot after an alarm was activated, leaving their white van at the scene. However, gardaí suspect they may have been picked up by a car nearby.

A spokesperson for G4S Cash Solutions confirmed that the incident involved one of their staff members and said the company was thankful he was not harmed.

“All security systems and procedures worked effectively,” according to a statement from G4S.

Investigators are appealing to anyone with any information regarding the incident, as well as anyone who was in the Kilmeade area or on the N78 between Kilcullen and Athy in the early hours of this morning, to contact them on 045 527730.

Gardaí are also asking anyone who has seen any suspicious activity in the Kilmeade area over the last few days to get in touch with them.

The Garda Confidential Line is 1800 666 111.