Harpenden recovery driver 'abducted' under M1 bridge on a call out

The man was reportedly attacked under a bridge in Harpenden

A breakdown recovery driver said he was abducted and had a bleach-like substance thrown over him when he was called out on a job.

The man was dispatched to recover a car in Coles Lane, underneath the M1 bridge, at Harpenden on 4 January.

Hertfordshire Police said he was taken and held prisoner for two hours by men wearing bike helmets before he was released.

Officers believe it was a "targeted attack".

When the victim, in his 30s, arrived at the location of the breakdown, he was met by a woman in a grey Toyota, police said.

Two or three men, wearing bike helmets, were then said to have appeared.

He reported being threatened, put in a van and had a bleach-like substance thrown over him.

They then drove to an unknown location before returning the victim to Coles Lane two hours later, at about 18:00 GMT.

The victim ran to a nearby property and called the police. He later went to hospital to be checked over.

Dashcam appeal

Det Con Sophie Mansell, from the St Albans local crime unit, said: "This was a distressing incident for the victim who continues to be supported by officers at this time.

"I understand that news of this incident is likely to cause concern among the local community, and our investigation is continuing at pace as we work around the clock to try and trace the suspects.

"We believe that this was a targeted attack and that there is no wider threat to the public."

Police are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who may have dashcam footage from the time to get in touch.