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Man arrested after woman reportedly kidnapped

Police outside a property in Brighton & Hove earlier this week Image source, MATTHEW EBERS
Image caption,

The kidnap reportedly took place at the junction of Selborne Road and Church Road

  • Published

A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into a kidnap in Hove.

Sussex Police said a man reportedly asked a woman for directions at the junction of Selborne Road and Church Road before pulling her into the car at about 02:00 BST on Monday.

He drove off south a short distance along First Avenue, where the woman was able to escape from the vehicle and call for help, police said.

A 21-year-old man was arrested in Brighton in the early hours of Sunday on suspicion of kidnap, theft of a vehicle and making off without payment.

The force said the vehicle suspected of being involved in the kidnap was seized on Monday evening.

Supt Petra Lazra said it was "understandable that this investigation has raised significant concerns within the local community".

She said: "We want to provide reassurance that a dedicated team has been working tirelessly to conduct thorough enquiries, which have now resulted in the arrest of a suspect."

She thanked those who had reported related information to police, and urged others to get in touch online, via 101 or through independent charity Crimestoppers.

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