Gardaí are continuing to question two men over a serious assault and false imprisonment of an Iarnród Éireann security guard in County Laois.

The men were arrested in Carlow on Wednesday.

The alleged incident occurred at around 5am on Tuesday 5th December at Kilbricken in Mountrath.

Gardaí said the victim was a security officer working at the rail company’s compound in the area.

The officer was approached by a number of men just after he arrived for work. Gardaí said the men assaulted him and locked him in the boot of his car.

It is believed the man was severely traumatised by the attack. He was trapped in the car for nine hours before he was discovered by workers coming on-shift.

Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to the incident to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 8674100.