Appeal for witnesses after children kidnapped

The incident happened near Ruscote Arcade in Banbury

Police are appealing for potential witnesses to a kidnapping to come forward.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) says between 21:00 and 23:00 BST on Saturday, a woman was assaulted and her two children taken from her between Ruscote Arcade and Ruscote Park, in Banbury.

The force said the children have since been safe guarded, and were uninjured.

A 58-year-old man, a 38-year-old man and a 35-year old woman, all from Banbury, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

They have since been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.

Around the same time, the alleged offenders also kicked a door and attempted to smash a window to a property nearby.

TVP investigating officer Detective Constable Bryn Smith, said: “I understand these incidents may cause some concern but I would like to reassure the community that we believe that these were targeted incidents, with no threat to the wider public."

“I am appealing to anybody who witnessed either of these incidents to please get in touch with us," he added.