Police appeal over kidnap victim

Lancashire police are still trying to find a Rochdale man who was kidnapped in Bacup more than six weeks ago.

Paul Brady, 44, was ambushed by a large gang of men on 1 August and bundled into the back of one of their cars.

Mr Brady was driving a white Ford Connect van, registration ML04 VCE, while his friend David Collier was driving a silver mercedes, on Beaufort Road when the gang attacked. They boxed in the two vehicles and between eight and ten armed men wearing balaclavas got out and attacked Mr Brady.

They forced him into one of their vehicles, either a white Ford Galaxy, registration PF05 BXP, or a silver Citroen Berlingo; both of which had been stolen and later abandoned at Clough Bottom reservoir. The victims' cars were stolen and abandoned at the same reservoir.

Mr Collier, 22, was able to escape the gang.

Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter, of Lancashire Police, said: "We are doing everything we can to secure his safe release but we need the community's help."

A 34-year-old man from Burnley has appeared in court charged with conspiracy to kidnap.