Police seize vehicle following Hove kidnap
A woman was forced into a car in the early hours of Monday (August 5th).
Police investigating the kidnapping of a woman in Hove have seized a vehicle believed to have been involved in the incident.
Officers are carrying out enquiries to confirm if the vehicle, seized in the Brighton area on Monday evening (August 5th) after being left unattended, is the one involved in the incident.
A woman had been walking along Church Road at around 2am on Monday when the driver of a dark-coloured Mini asked her for directions.
He then got out of the car, grabbed the woman and forced her inside.
He drove off south for a short distance along First Avenue, where the woman was able to escape from the vehicle and call for help.
The suspect is described as a white man, about 6’, of skinny build, and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a black tracksuit, a black baseball cap and a black balaclava.
Superintendent Petra Lazar from Sussex Police said:
"The victim was understandably extremely distressed following the incident, and she continues to receive support and safeguarding from specialist officers at this time.
"In the meantime we’re urging anyone with information or video footage which could assist in our investigation to please come forward.
"I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank anyone who has contacted us with information so far, as we continue to seek the person responsible for this crime."
Anyone with any relevant information or footage is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Grangeway.