Gosport kidnap: man seen ‘forced into vehicle’ before crash
Officers are investigating after a reported kidnapping and crash, believed to be linked, happened late last night. Around 11pm on Saturday, police were made aware that a man was reportedly forced into a white vehicle on Ferrol Road in Gosport[1]. The vehicle was then seen leaving the area and appeared to be being pursued by a black car.
At around the same time, officers were called to a multi-vehicle crash on Village Road that injured two pedestrians – a man in his 50s and a 16-year-old girl. Both were taken to hospital for treatment and are not in a life-threatening condition. The crash involved a white Ford Focus that hit a building, while a black BMW 1 Series collided with the two pedestrians.
Officers investigating this incident are treating these two reports as linked and are carrying out enquiries into the circumstances of what has taken place. On Sunday, officers were in Village Road and Ferrol Road as part of their investigation. Police have also arrested a 26-year-old man from Gosport on suspicion of kidnap and causing injury by careless/inconsiderate driving.
A 20-year-old man from Gosport has been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to kidnap and causing injury by dangerous driving, and a 54-year-old man from Gosport has been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to kidnap, causing injury by dangerous driving, and driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs. Officers are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Detective Inspector Hayley Church, who is leading the investigation, said on Sunday: “We are in the area today conducting CCTV and house to house enquiries; however, we need anyone that was in the Ferrol Road or Village Road area between 10.15pm and 11.15pm last night and saw anything suspicious to make contact with us.
“Perhaps you saw a man being forced into a car or the moments leading up to this, or maybe you witnessed a black BMW 1 Series pursuing a white Ford Focus between Ferrol Road and Village Road? “We urge anyone on these roads and the neighbouring and surrounding roads to please check any CCTV or Ring Doorbell footage that may have captured something. “We would also like to hear from anyone driving through the area that may have captured the vehicles involved on dash cam and are keen for any information regarding the occupants of the white Ford Focus, who we are yet to speak to.
“While we appreciate that this incident will be concerning to members of the public, I’d like to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to understand what has taken place and identify those involved. “Officers will be in the area today and over the coming days, please do speak to them if you have any concerns or questions.” Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting reference 44240008533.
Alternatively visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ to submit information.
You can also submit information 100 per cent anonymously via Crimestoppers.