Appeal for witnesses after woman seen calling for help in back of car on John Street

Police are appealing for witnesses after a distressed woman was seen in the back of a car in Rochdale.

At around 11.20am on Saturday 22 November 2014, a woman was seen shouting for help and struggling to get out of a green Toyota Avensis on John Street in Rochdale.

She was pulled back into the vehicle by one of two men in the car and it sped off along John Street towards Whitworth.

Officers were soon on the scene and followed the vehicle to Dewhurst Road, but lost sight of it during the chase.

The car was soon found abandoned and empty in an alleyway behind Bishop Street.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have seen the men and woman in the Bishop Street area of Rochdale around 12pm.

The first offender is described as an Asian man, between 20 and 30 years old, short hair. He was wearing a grey jumper.

The victim is described as a white or light-skinned Asian woman, with long dark hair. She was wearing a dark coloured coat.

Detective Inspector Andrew Butterworth said: “We are still trying to ascertain what the circumstances of this incident are.

“We do not know if we are dealing with a potential kidnapping or perhaps a domestic incident.

“What is clear, though, is that the woman was in great distress and our number one priority is to make sure she is safe and well.

“If you believe you saw anyone matching either of the descriptions above in the area at the time the car was abandoned, or know of the vehicle please contact police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8549 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

----------

UPDATE 10.00PM

The woman has been found by officers safe and well.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/92712/distressed-woman-found-safe-and-well