Police investigate kidnapping in West Cumbria

Police are investigating after a man was allegedly kidnapped in West Cumbria.

The incident occurred on Monday 2 November at around 6:45am.

A 41-year-old man from Egremont was bundled into the back of his own van after being flagged down by a man wearing a head torch, whilst travelling on Grove Road, Egremont towards St Bees.

The offender is described as being around 5 foot 7 inches tall, of slim athletic build, with dark cropped hair which was tidy. He was described as wearing a dark fleecy jumper which zipped from the chest up to his face, and jeans.

The victim was tied up and transported in his own van from Grove Road to Mockerkin on an unknown route, arriving at Mockerkin after approximately an hour.

It is believed that another vehicle and possibly two other suspects might have been involved in loading the contents of the victim’s van into another vehicle, at Mockerkin.

The offenders then left the van parked, with the victim in the back, and left the scene. At about 3pm the victim managed to turn the hazard warning lights of the van on.

He managed to free himself at approximately 8:45pm and got out of the van. He suffered minor injuries but was not threatened during the incident, but was left shocked and distressed.

Police are appealing for information about the movements of the van - a white Citroen Relay High-Top van - on Monday.