• Wed. Feb 19th, 2025

Oxford police praised for quick arrests in kidnapping incident

Byoxfordnewspaper

Aug 31, 2022

A councillor has praised police for their quick action arresting four, men after a man bundled into a car during a terrifying kidnapping ordeal in Oxford.

Detectives from Thames Valley Police launched a manhunt after the victim reported the incident to them.

The abduction happened at around 9.45pm on Friday (August 26) in Green Road, Headington when the victim – a man whose age has not been released – was pushed into a vehicle by some other men, who then drove off.

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The police said the victim was subsequently let go by the offenders and did not suffer any physical injuries.

An 18-year-old and a 21-year-old from Headington and a 21-year-old from Oxford have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and assault.

They have all been bailed until 23 September.

A 48-year-old man from Headington has also been arrested on suspicion of using threatening or abusive behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence.

He has been bailed until 23 September.

Lib Dem city and county councillor Roz Smith, who represents Headington and Quarry, said: “I think it is quite an unusual thing, it is not a normal thing to be happening.

“It is an amazing thing that the police made such quick arrests.”

Mrs Smith said she had received calls from residents who were concerned by news of the incident.

The councillor added the news of the quick arrests meant she could “reassure” those in her ward.

Labour councillor Mike Rowley, who represents Barton and Sandhills and is also Sheriff of Oxford, said: “Obviously it is worrying for the local community. I am working with the police on keeping the community safe and providing reassurances.

“We need to redouble our efforts to keep our streets safe.”

Mr Rowley added that whether the incident was gang related or not, efforts are being made to “break these organisations” by the police.

The force are now appealing for witnesses following the incident who may have seen the offenders or have information about the abduction, as well as have dashcam or doorbell footage.

Detective constable, James Salt, based at Oxford police station, said: “We believe this incident was witnessed by several people.

“I would like to hear from anybody who was in the area and may have dash-cam footage to please contact us by making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220384508.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Read more from this author

This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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