Police are searching for a man in connection with a suspected kidnapping. 

Witnesses of the incident claimed they saw two men get out of a grey Ford transit van and drag a man into the back of the vehicle after punching him a number of times.

A third suspect was also inside the van.

The van then drove off, closely followed by a black BMW which was being driven by someone who had been speaking with the victim moments before the arrival of the van.

Officers attended the scene and carried out a search of the area.

The van was traced to Essex and subsequently stopped in Brooks Parade, Chigwell.

Three men left the van and ran from the scene.

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Two men – aged in their 20s - were arrested nearby. They were later charged.

The victim – aged in his 30s - was recovered from the back of the van and taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Met Police says enquiries are ongoing to trace the third suspect in the van, as well as the driver of the BMW.

The incident happened around 3pm on Sunday (April 11) in Queen Mary Avenue, South Woodbridge.

Det Sgt Sajid Asghar said: “This was a brazen act on the part of the suspects; carried out in broad daylight while a number of shocked witnesses looked on.

"Thankfully officers responded swiftly to get the victim to safety, and we are now appealing to the public to help us apprehend and bring to justice the dangerous individuals responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101; quoting CAD3965/11Apr.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.