Appeal Following Attempted Kidnapping In Belfast City Centre

Three men have been arrested in connection with an attempted kidnapping in Belfast City Centre on Tuesday, 16 April.

Police have said that officers were on patrol in the Bruce Street area shortly after 12.05pm when they observed an altercation between a number of men.

It was reported that a man was forced out of a stationary van by three other men, one of whom was armed with a knife. The victim, aged in his 20s was threatened by the men, who told him to get back into the vehicle.

He attended hospital for treatment to a head injury which is not believed to be life-threatening at this time. Detective Sergeant McAllister said: "Officers arrested two men, aged in their twenties, at the scene, while a third man, aged in his late teens, was arrested a short distance away.

"They were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including attempted kidnapping and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. They remain in custody at this time, assisting with enquiries.

"Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything, or who may have dashcam, CCTV or other video footage, is asked to contact us on 101, quoting reference 556 of 16/04/24."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.