Co Down: Man kidnapped doused in fuel and threatened to be set alight
Last updated 25th Apr 2022
A man has been left badly shaken after he was allegedly kidnapped, doused in fuel, and threatened to be set alight unless he handed over money in Newcastle, County Down.
Police said the man, aged in his 40s, was kidnapped by two males in the King Street area and brought to a carpark in the Oldtown Road area of Annalong after 9pm yesterday (Sunday).
The suspects then demanded money before dousing him in fuel and threatened to set him alight.
However, the man was physically unharmed, and no money was given.
Meanwhile, police also received a report that another man in his 70s had been assaulted shortly after 9:30pm and entry to his home was attempted in the King Street area of the town by another man.
The suspect did not make it inside and made off from the location.
Two men, aged 36 and 31, have been arrested and remain in police custody at this time.
Detective Inspector Johnston said: "As we continue with our enquiries to determine what occurred, I'm appealing to anyone with information about this incident to get in touch with us.
"In particular, we want to hear from anyone who was in the King Street or Oldtown Road areas after 9pm and noticed anything out of the ordinary, including any individuals acting in a suspicious manner, to contact us by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1754 24/04/22."
A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
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