25/04/2022

Police Investigate Attempted Kidnapping In Newcastle

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following reports of an attempted burglary and kidnapping in Newcastle on Sunday evening (24th April).

Making the appeal, Detective Inspector Johnston said "We received a report shortly after 9.30pm that a man, aged in his 70s, had been assaulted and entry to his home was attempted in the King Street area of the town by another man. The suspect did not make it inside and made off from the location.

"It was then reported that a second man, aged in his 40s, also in the King Street area, was kidnapped by two males and brought to a carpark in the Oldtown Road area of Annalong after 9pm. The suspects demanded money before dousing him in fuel and threatened to set him alight. While the man was physically unharmed and no money was given, he is understandably very shaken.

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

"As we continue with our enquiries to determine what occurred, I'm 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 www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 August 2017
Man Released On Bail Over Lurgan Murder
A man arrested in connection with a murder in Lurgan on Sunday, 06 August, has been released on bail pending further enquiries. The body of a man, aged 45, was discovered at a flat on Victoria Street. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
19 December 2023
Man Arrested In Connection With Dromara Assault
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a report of an assault at licenced premises at the Rathfriland Road area of Dromara. Detective Inspector Bell said: "Shortly before 10:10pm on Friday 15th December, it was reported that an altercation occurred at a bar in the area following three men refused entry to the premises.
08 November 2017
Man Dies In Portadown Road Crash
An 18-year-old man has died following a collision in Portadown. The crash happened on the Dungannon Road between midnight and 12.30am on Wednesday, 08 November. The road has been re-opened. Elsewhere, a man, aged in his 30's, has died in a road collision in Co Antrim.
04 August 2017
Investigation Launched After Woman Sexually Assaulted In Portadown
Police have launched an investigation following reports of a serious sexual assault on a woman in Portadown. The victim, aged in her 30s, is believed to have been assaulted by two men in the William Street area between 12.15am and 1.10am on Sunday, 30 July.
03 July 2018
Appeal For Information Following Armed Robbery In Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following an armed robbery in Belfast City Centre. According to reports, a man armed with a gun entered a shop on King Street at about 8.40pm on and threatened staff on Monday, 02 July.