A HOMELESS man escaped from traveller bosses by jumping from a van as it sped along the A127.

The man, known as Snowy, was living rough in London when offered labouring work.

He was taken to Hovefields and given accommodation.

The man was reportedly assaulted and tried to flee the following day.

But he hadn't got far when he was bundled into a van between the A132, Wickford, and A129, Billericay.

He struggled free and was able to jump from the moving vehicle and flag down motorists who called police.

The incident sparked a full forensic investigation with the plot sealed off for two days.

A caravan was taken away by low-loader and door-to-door inquiries were made.

Jill Walsh, 54, a settled resident, who lives nearby, has kept a "diary of despair" - previously detailed in the Echo - telling of her disrupted life next to the traveller site.

On May 18, 2005, she recorded: 1pm: Seven to eight police cars and dog unit. Allegedly looking for missing person (Snowy).

Residents asked if they had seen him. Forensic van on site. Police tape across plot.

Despite being interviewed by police, the man was never seen again. Essex Police spokesman Nishan Wijeratne said: "Officers spoke to another worker at the site, who gave a conflicting account of events, which did not corroborate the story.

"Police tried to contact the victim again to discuss these discrepancies, but were unable to trace him."

Police were reluctant to disclose information about this alleged kidnap.

In May 2005, a press statement said: "Police were investigating a concern that a man had been held against his will, but the man has turned up safe and well. We are still investigating some lesser allegations."

We asked for further information last year, and were told there were no other details so the Echo submitted a Freedom of Information Act request.

It was refused amid claims the only detail on file was the original statement. We appealed on grounds it was implausible for police to keep no other records.

After the appeal we were sent an edited summary investigation report, five paragraphs long, which told how the victim said he was kidnapped and an investigation involving a senior investigating officer was launched, but no arrests were made.

After asking further clarification, we were told to contact the Met Police, amid claims the case was handed to them. The Met police referred us back to Essex Police, who finally gave out the details.