A MAN in his 20s told emergency services he had been kidnapped at gun point last night.

Police who were called about a burglary in Limefield Brow were then told four masked men had demanded money and kidnapped a man. 

About half an hour later the fire service responded to a report of a smoking car in Whittaker Street, Radcliffe. 

When firefighters arrived at the scene they found a silver Volvo parked in the middle of the street with both air bags blown and a man lying on the pavement in pain. 

It is understood a a friend of the man in his 20s saw him being driven away and gave chase in a black Seat Leon.

It is believed the Seat rammed the Volvo in Spring Lane and again in Whittaker Street before the man's friend pulled him from the Volvo, which was found empty a short distance away.

A firearm was discovered nearby and is being assessed to determine whehter or not it is an imitation.

Residents living in Whittaker Street had heard rumours of a gun being involved, one said: "We heard there was a gun, a firearm. That was the rumour that was circulating."

Another resident said: "I only heard the bang. I thought they were banging next door. It's a quiet street so everybody was out. On of the cars was badly damaged."

The fire crew were called at 10.30pm and called for police and ambulance to attend the scene while they assisted the man and strapped him to a spine board.

The man told the emergency services men had jumped into his car, one driving and others to the side of him, pointing what he believed to be a gun at him.

Watch manager Tony Wellocks from Whitefield said: "It was reported as a smoking car, it's usually the air bags or the radiator. We weren't expecting a casualty. We got him on a spine board and waited for the ambulance."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Around 10pm on Tuesday, August 28, police were called to Limefield Brow in Bury to reports of a burglary at a house.

"On arrival, a further report was made to officers that four masked men had made demands for money and kidnapped a man who lived at the address.

"A short time later, the man was located safe and well."

Police are still searching for the offenders and anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 2243 of 28/08/18 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.