Police make arrest following kidnapping incident in Chipping Norton

A 41-year-old man from Chipping Norton has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap, and bailed until March 25.

The kidnap incident occurred after the victim, a woman aged in her forties, was walking her dog along Dunstan Avenue, when a silver car stopped alongside her.

The incident happened last week between 1 and 3pm on Tuesday February 25.

An offender left the vehicle, and struck the victim in the face, knocking her over. She was then pushed into the back of the vehicle, which then driven off.

The victim was then taken taken to Vernon Court and pushed out of the car

She did not attend hospital, but had brief loss of hearing.

The offender who exited the vehicle and assaulted the victim is believed to be the driver.

Police believe there was one passenger in the car.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Grahame Lea, of force CID at Banbury police station, said: “I am appealing for witnesses to this incident, which was a very frightening experience for the victim.

“I would like to reassure the public that we believe this incident to be isolated and targeted, and that there is not a further risk to the wider public.

“Officers will be conducting extra patrols in the area in the aftermath of this incident, and we would like to reassure the public that this is being investigated thoroughly.

“We would like to appeal to residents in Dunstan Avenue and Vernon Court, to see if anyone has CCTV installed outside their homes that could have captured anything significant."

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43200065189.

Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers for 100 per cent anonymity by calling 0800 555 111.