Third kidnap arrest after man, 87, bundled in car

The victim was walking home from Oldham Central Mosque when he was dragged into a car

A third man has been arrested in connection with the kidnap of an 87-year-old who was dragged into a car before being dumped 15 miles away.

The man was walking home from Oldham Central Mosque at about 21:00 BST on 15 September when he was bundled into a black car and blindfolded, Greater Manchester Police said.

He was asked for money before being pushed out of the vehicle and abandoned in the dark in Rishworth, West Yorkshire, detectives added.

A man, aged 39, was arrested in Blackpool earlier on suspicion of kidnap. A man, aged 24, from Royton, has been charged with kidnap, grievous bodily harm, robbery and intentional strangulation while another man, aged 39, has since been bailed.

Det Insp Emma Hulston said: "We have now arrested three men in connection with this shocking incident and we continue to make good progress with our enquiries.

"We understand the concern from local residents and those further afield across Greater Manchester after hearing of what happened to the elderly man.

"We do believe it was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public."

She said officers are supporting the victim while he recovers from this "traumatic ordeal".