Police seize car in Hove kidnap investigation

The kidnap took place at the junction between Church Road and Selborne Road

Police have seized a car as part of an ongoing investigation into a kidnap in Hove.

The vehicle was found unattended by officers in Brighton on Monday evening and inquiries are ongoing to confirm if it was involved in the incident, Sussex Police said.

A woman had been walking along Church Road at about 02:00 BST on Monday when she became aware of a dark-coloured vehicle - reportedly a Mini - parked at the junction with Selborne Road.

The driver asked her for directions, before he then got out of the car, grabbed the victim and pulled her into the car, police said.

The force said the suspect drove off south a short distance along First Avenue, where the woman was able to escape the car and call for help.

The suspect is described as a white male of skinny build, and spoke with a local accent.

Police are still trying to identify and locate the person responsible for the attack

He was wearing a black tracksuit, black baseball cap and black balaclava.

Sussex Police said officers remained "committed" to identifying and locating the person responsible for the attack.

Supt Petra Lazar said the victim, who was "understandably extremely distressed" after the incident, continues to receive support from specialist officers.

“In the meantime we’re urging anyone with information or video footage which could assist in our investigation to please come forward," she added.