The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
‘Knife kidnap bid’ on RAF man
Investigation after serviceman fights off pair in ‘pre-planned’ attack near base
Police investigating the attempted knifepoint abduction of an RAF serviceman said there may have been an element of “pre-planning” and they cannot rule out terrorism as a motive.
The married serviceman, who is in his late 20s, was out running near RAF Marham, in Norfolk, on Wednesday when he was grabbed by a man, who attempted to drag him towards a nearby car.
The victim knocked the first attacker to the floorbefore an accomplice, carrying a knife, helped him up before both men fled.
The serviceman was said to have been left “very, very shaken by his ordeal”.
Norfolk Police Detective Superintendent Paul Durham said: “I can confirm we are treating this as an attempted abduction and detailed inquiries are being carried out at the scene to establish the full circumstances.
“The motivation for the attack remains unclear at this time, and while we are currently unable to discount terrorism, there are a number of other possible hypotheses. We are therefore carrying out a thorough investigation to und e r s t a n d wh a t has happened, why and who is responsible.”
When a s ke d i f he thought it was a preplanned a tt a c k , Mr Durham replied: “I would be speculating at the momentbut it is difficult toenvisage a situation where perhaps there wasn’t an element of pre-planning, but it’s too early to say for sure.”
He added: “It was a regular running route for the victim, it’s a regular running route for a number of personnel within RAF Marham, it’s a well-trodden path.”
Police are keen to trace the two men, a darkcoloured people carrierand also the “military-style” knife, with a two-and-a-half to three-inch blade.
Police released descriptions of two suspects of Middle Eastern appearance as military personnel were reportedly sent a memowarningthemabout the incident.
A further memo advised military staff to keep a low profile and not to be alone on foot or on a bicycle in any uniform or clothing which identifies them as being with the forces.
An RAF spokesman refused to comment on the memos, and said: “We are aware of an ongoing police operation in relation to an incident n e a r RAF Marham. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Police also refused to comment on the statement.
“The motivation remains unclear – we are unable to discount terrorism”