The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed an Irish citizen has been arrested in Iraq.

Joshua Molloy, has been detained along with two British nationals, Joe Akerman and Jac Holmes in the city of Erbil on Friday afternoon.

It is understood the 24-year-old is a former member of the British army from Ballylinan, County Laois.

Mr Molloy attended Ardscoil na Trionoide in Athy and went to Syria a year ago.

Media reports state Joshua got into trouble with the authorities when he and two other British soldier entered Iraq in a manner deemed illegal from Syria.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it stands ready to provide consular assistance and that acting Minister Charlie Flanagan is being kept fully informed.

The family of Joshua are pleading for their son’s release.

In an interview with the Sunday Times Joshua’s parents spoke to Mark Campbell, a pro-Kurdish rights campaigner who said they are extremely worried.