Three arrested after man is abducted from a Lancashire supermarket in broad daylight

Three men, aged 24, 24, and 26 have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after a man was forced inside a car outside the Tesco store in Hill Street at around 12.20pm.

Detectives say the man who they believe has been kidnapped (pictured) remains missing after he was spotted being bundled inside a burgundy Skoda estate car with the registration KM11 BUO.

Lancashire Police says it is treating the incident "extremely seriously" and has released of the victim. The force has also shared CCTV footage of a second man who ran into the Tesco store afterwards to seek help.

Detectives have reviewed CCTV in the area and believe the Skoda travelled to the Gloucester Road/Burnley Road area of the town after the incident. They are keen to hear from anyone who saw the car or witnessed any suspicious activity in the area between 12noon and 3pm on Friday.

Det Supt Joanne McHugh, who is leading the investigation, said: "We continue to remain concerned that someone may have been taken against their will and we are doing all we can to verify this and to find that person.

"We need to trace the two men and I would urge them to come forward and make contact so we can establish they are safe.

"I also want to hear from anyone who has seen the burgundy Skoda, in particular in the Gloucester Road/Burnley Road area of Blackburn on Friday afternoon.

"We remain very concerned and we continue to treat this incident extremely seriously."

Lancashire Police said officers will be actively patrolling the area over the next few days and anybody with concerns or information should speak them or call the force on 101 quoting log 0545 of Friday, March 5.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.