A CYCLIST was abducted and injured by a gang of men.

The man, from Southend, was seen being bundled into a car in Elm Road, Shoebury by four men on last night at 10.10pm.

Police identified the car – a silver Peugeot – and it was found and stopped a short distance away in Prittlewell.

The victim, aged 24, was safely removed by police. They found he had received minor assault injuries.

He has given a statement to police.

Four men from South London have been arrested.

A man aged 21 from South East London was arrested on suspicion of abduction, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

The other three – a 26-year-old man from South East London, a 26-year-old from South West London and a 24-year-old from Sevenoaks, Kent, were arrested on suspicion of abduction.

Anyone who saw any part of the incident or has any information about the circumstances leading up to this should call investigating officer Dc Adam Coombes at Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.