22/03/2007

Armed gang snatch man from security van

A man in police custody was taken from a security van outside a court in Manchester, when three armed men attacked the van.

The men, who were armed with large kitchen knives, attacked the van, which was parked outside Salford Magistrates Court in Greater Manchester, around 7:50am on Thursday morning.

The driver of the van was punched during the attack, leaving him with minor swelling to his face.

The van's tyres were also slashed and a security guard was also threatened.

The man - 21-year-old Aaraon Williams - was being transferred from being in custody at Swinton Police Station to court, after being arrested on Wednesday.

He had been arrested after a warrant was issued when he failed to appear for a previous hearing at the court on a theft charge.

According to reports, Mr Williams was heard shouting "Don't let them take me" as the men dragged him from the van and police have confirmed that they are investigating the possibility that Mr Williams has been abducted.

The armed men have been described as white and in their early twenties and they all spoke with local accents. They were all around 5ft 6 or 7in tall and of athletic build and were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Greater Manchester police have appealed for information.

(KMcA/JM)


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