A man from Greater Manchester has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap after police received reports of a group of men carrying a man into a car which was driven away.
The 19-year-old remained in police custody for questioning on Tuesday evening and hasn't been named.
Police in Bournemouth, Dorset, said as a major investigation was launched they have not yet identified the reported victim and 'are concerned for his welfare'. Five people have been arrested in total, Dorset Police said, with one, a 32-year-old woman, later released on bail pending further investigations.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
In a statement reported by Dorset Live, the force said: "Dorset Police received a third-party report on Friday 28 April 2023 of a possible kidnap that occurred at around 9.25pm in South Kinson Drive.
"It is reported that a group of men were seen leaving a property while carrying another man, who was put into a car before being driven away. The car is described as black and similar to an Audi A4.
"An investigation is underway, led by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team, to identify those involved.
"Following initial enquiries, a 38-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man, both from Bournemouth, a 19-year-old man from the Greater Manchester area and a 21-year-old woman from the Wareham area have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.
"A 32-year-old woman from Bournemouth was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap and has been released on police bail while enquiries continue."
Detective Inspector Neil Third said: "We are carrying out a detailed investigation to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
"At this time, we have not identified the reported victim and we are concerned for his welfare. I would ask anyone with information about his identity to please come forward as we urgently want to ensure he is safe and well.
"As our enquiries continue, I am keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area or may have captured anything of relevance on CCTV footage.
"If you were driving in the vicinity of South Kinson Drive during the evening of Friday 28 April 2023 and have a dashcam fitted to your vehicle, I am appealing to you to please check your footage for a vehicle matching the description given.
"Understandably, this reported incident will be of concern to the community and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team can be approached with any information or concerns."
READ NEXT:
One of Britain's richest men known for Madeleine McCann search buys £37m stake in THG
'Petrified' mum's plea to find son, 15, who disappeared the day after family holiday
Driver 'high on cocaine' brings Metrolink line to standstill after 'wedging' car on tracks
Burger bar owner speaks of terror as gunman strolls in and opens fire