THREE men have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after a teenage boy was bundled into the back of a car.

At around 3.20pm on Friday, police were called to Bridgeman Street to reports of suspicious circumstances.

It is reported that a boy in his late teens had been sat in the back of a black Ford Focus car, where he was assaulted.

The teenager then escaped and ran down Swan Lane on to Bridgeman Street.

The teen was chased down the street and forced into the back of the same car by three men, near to the crossing by Clarendon School.

The Ford Focus then made off towards Rothwell Street and later the same evening, the boy was found in Bolton with injuries to his face.

He received hospital treatment, but has since been discharged.

The driver of the Ford Focus is described as Asian and between 30 to 40 years of age.

He was of a medium build and had black hair and a black beard.

He wore a black jacket and black pants at the time of the incident.

Officers are aware that several cars travelling down Bridgeman Street at this time were forced to stop as the teen was put in the car and are particularly keen for these drivers to come forward.

Three men - aged 21, 25 and 28 - were all arrested on suspicion of kidnap. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Jo Little, of GMP’s Bolton district, said: “This was a horrific ordeal for the victim and we’re thankful that he is now safe and recovering at home.

“I’d like to speak directly to anyone who was in the area at the time, especially those who stopped their cars as the teen was bundled into the back of the Ford Focus.

“I would also be particularly interested in speaking with any witnesses who have dash cam footage – please if you think you can assist our enquiries in anyway get in touch as your help could prove absolutely crucial to our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5757, quoting incident number 1394 of 16/06/19.

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.