Four men wanted after student imprisoned and assaulted

Photo: Lancashire Police

Detectives want to identify four men after a student was imprisoned and assaulted in Preston

Detectives want to identify four men after a student was imprisoned and assaulted in Preston. Intelligence suggests the men might be from the Greater Manchester area, possibly Rochdale.

Police were called around 2am on Friday, March 3, following an incident in Moor Lane.

On Thursday 2 March, a 19-year-old man attended Sanctuary Halls around 10.15pm to visit a friend’s flat.

The victim walked from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) library to the building before entering the address.

Once inside the property the teenager was met by four men. He attempted to leave but was dragged into the flat.

Two more men arrived and the victim was punched, forced to strip naked and assaulted.

Threats were made towards the victim with the group demanding cash.

Four men then left the flat and the victim left the property and contacted police.

The 19-year-old man suffered injuries to his nose and face during the incident and detectives want to speak to these men, pictured, in connection with the assault.

Det Con Richard Clancy, of Preston CID, said: “This was a sickening and abhorrent attack where the victim was lured to an address in Preston before being assaulted and threatened.

“The incident has left the 19-year-old very shaken and it is crucial we find those responsible.

“Following extensive CCTV enquiries, we want to speak to these four men in connection with the offences. Intelligence suggests the men might be from the Greater Manchester area, possibly Rochdale.

“If you recognise any of the individuals involved, please contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference SA1703005.

Alternatively CrimeStoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org