Armed forces pledge after abduction bid
DEFENCE minister Mike Penning today stressed safety of the armed forces was of “utmost importance” as police hunted for at least two men suspected of trying to abduct an RAF officer.
This afternoon Mr Penning was due to visit RAF Marham in Norfolk, where security has been tightened after the attempted kidnapping of the officer as he jogged near the base last week.
The armed forces minister stressed that he wanted to “reassure personnel and their families that their security is of the utmost importance”.
He added: “We are in constant liaison with police and intelligence services and review and amend our security arrangements continually to try and ensure our people and their families are safe.”
Police yesterday issued e-fit images oft women being sought over the alleged kidnapping. Twenty antiterrorism officers are involved in the manhunt amid fears that it was an attempt to kill a serviceman similar to the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby. Police though have not ruled out another motive such as mistaken identity linked to a drugs debt or domestic incident.
Both suspects are of Middle Eastern origin in appearance.
One is described as between 20 to 30, about 6ft tall, of athletic but stocky build, with dark hair long on top and a well-groomed beard. He had a dark skin tone and wore casual clothing.
The second is described as aged between 20 and 30, but younger and slimmer than the first suspect. He was about 5ft 10in tall, clean shaven with short dark hair and wore a white T-shirt and dark shorts, police said.