Bangor Teenager Kidnapped

PSNI detectives are appealing for information following the kidnap of an 18-year-old man from his home in Bangor.

The incident occurred at about 22:15 on Thursday, 17 January, when three masked and armed men entered a house in the Bexley area of the town.

A 52 year-old male and his 18-year-old son were in the house at the time and were threatened by the men.

At about 04:00, the 18 year-old was taken from his home in the family vehicle, a grey Renault Laguna GJZ 9090.

Detectives from the Serious Crime Branch say the plates were then changed to false ones, bearing the registration number RJZ 6968.

The 18-year-old man was taken to a house in the Beechmount Parade area of west Belfast and remained there until shortly before 09:30 on Friday 18 January.

He managed to escape and raise the alarm.

The PSNI says at about 07:00 on 18 January, a sum of money was passed to the occupant of the Renault Laguna at a filling station in the Ravenhill Road area of South Belfast.

Detectives say a cash-in-transit vehicle was in the forecourt at the time.

The Renault Laguna was then seen in the College Square North area of Belfast before it was found abandoned in the Ainsworth Avenue area of west Belfast.

Detective Inspector Chris Wilson said: "This was a horrific ordeal for the father and son and the wider family circle. It was a planned and organised crime involving a number of persons and we are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

"We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the College Square North or Ainsworth Avenue areas on Friday morning and saw the Renault Laguna or anyone acting suspiciously."

Detectives can be contacted on 02891801507. Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0845 600 8000.

(IT)