Police investigating report of alleged kidnap release image of man they would like to trace
Police investigating a report of alleged kidnap in South Tyneside have appealed to the public for information – and released an image of a man they would like to trace.
At around 4pm on Friday, November 24, it was reported that two men had been carrying out building work at a residential address in the Gladstone Street area of Hebburn.
It was alleged the pair had threatened their customer – a man in his 50s – and forced him into a van before driving him to a nearby ATM machine on Victoria Road East.
They have then allegedly forced the man to withdraw £500 in cash in two transactions before the work had been completed.
The men have reportedly taken the money and drove away from the area in the van.
The victim was left shaken as a result, and the incident was later reported to police.
An investigation was immediately launched, and a number of enquiries have been ongoing since the report was made to locate those involved.
An 48-year-old man has since been arrested and charged in connection with the report, and is scheduled to appear before the courts at a later date.
Today (Thursday) officers have appealed to the public for information – and released an image of a man they would like to trace.
He was in the area at the time the incident took place, and officers believe he may have information which could assist their enquiries.
The man, or anyone who knows him, should contact police using the ‘Report’ page on the Northumbria Police website or call 101, quoting crime number: 148084M/23
Members of the public can also share information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.