Plea over ‘van kidnapping’ victim
POLICE are still searching for a man who was bundled into the back of a van and abducted.
Two people have been arrested but the victim has not been found and police say they are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.
Greater Manchester Police say they were called at 12.45pm on Saturday to reports a man had been abducted on Swanage Avenue, Wythenshawe, close to the border with Sale.
They have now established that 10 minutes earlier a man had been bundled into the back of a white Mercedes-Benz Vito van.
It was seen leaving Swanage Avenue heading towards Wendover Road at 12.36pm.
It was later seen on Shentonfield Road at 12.59pm, where the van, which has distinctive black stickers with the silhouette of a car on the side, was found abandoned.
It is now being forensically analysed by specialist detectives.
Two men – aged 44 and 46 – have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.
The victim, whose name or age have not been disclosed, has not yet been found with GMP saying ‘officers are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.’
They have released photographs of the van, registration WP08 VAH.
Police say they are treating it as an ‘isolated incident’ and that they believe there is no wider risk to the community, but patrols are being stepped up in the area.
Det Sgt Mark Hodgson, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: “If anyone recognises the van in this photo or has any information at all that could help us to locate the victim, please get in touch with police as a matter of urgency.
“Although we have two men in custody, our investigation is still very much ongoing and the victim’s safety is our number one priority.
“Any information at all, no matter how insignificant you may feel it is, could prove essential in assisting our investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 956 6063, quoting incident number 1461 of 29/08/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.