Three men have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after a teenager was chased down a street and bundled into a car.

It happened in Bolton on Friday afternoon - just two hours before reports were made of a similar incident in Prestwich .

Police were called to Bridgeman Street at around 3.20pm to reports of 'suspicious circumstances'.

It is believed the victim - who is in his late teens - was attacked in the back of a black Ford Focus before managing to escape and run off.

He was chased down Swan Lane onto Bridgeman Street by three men, who grabbed him and forced him back into the car near the Clarendon School crossing. The Ford Focus then drove off towards Rothwell Street.

The teenager was chased down Swan Lane

That night, the victim was taken to hospital after being discovered with facial injuries.

He has since been discharged.

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

GMP are appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened - particularly the drivers who were forced to a stop by the commotion on Bridgeman Stret - and are now urging them to come forward.

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A description of the Focus' driver has also been released.

He is said to have been Asian and between 30-40 years of age.

He was of a medium build and had black hair and a black beard, and wore a black jacket and black pants at the time of the incident.

Det Sgt 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.

The teenager was forced into the car in Bridgeman Street, near Clarendon school

"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."

On Saturday, GMP issued an appeal for information after a youth was seen being forced into the back of a black Volkswagen saloon in Mount Road, Prestwich.

It happened just after 5.30pm on Friday and officers are wanting to confirm what happened, and if the teenager is safe.

Police are asking anyone with information relating to the Bolton incident to contact them on 0161 856 5757, quoting incident number 1394 of June 16. Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Information relating to the Prestwich incident can be passed via the same contact numbers, using log number 1694 of June 15.