Man kidnapped, doused in fuel and threatened to be set alight in Newcastle

By Q Radio News

A man in his 40s was kidnapped by two men, doused in fuel and threatened to be set alight in exchange for money in Newcastle last night.

Police say the men took him to a carpark in the Oldtown Road area of Annalong just after 9pm before dousing and threatening him.

While the man was physically unharmed and no money was given, he was left badly shaken.

A man in his 70s was also assaulted shortly after 9:30pm in the King Street area of Newcastle - where the man in his 40s was picked up.

A man in his 40s was kidnapped by two men, doused in fuel and threatened to be set alight in exchange for money in Newcastle last night.https://t.co/gQyPMwM8cS

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 25, 2022

Two men, aged 31 and 36, have been arrested and remain in police custody at this time.

Detective Inspector Johnston said: "As we continue with our enquiries to determine what occurred, I am appealing to anyone with information about this incident to get in touch with us.

"In particular, we want to hear from anyone who was in the King Street or Oldtown Road areas after 9pm and noticed anything out of the ordinary, including any individuals acting in a suspicious manner, to contact us by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1754 24/04/22.

"A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/"