Police appeal for witnesses after man “forcibly taken’ found in Salford

Greater Manchester Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was forcibly taken from his home in Fallowfield, and found in Pendleton last night. 

At 12.30am this morning (Wednesday 19 December), a man in his 30s was discovered with serious injuries on Fitzwarren Street in Pendleton. He was taken to hospital where he remains for treatment.

Greater Manchester Police believe that “this was not a random attack. This was well thought out and planned with a clear intent to harm this man.”

Police had originally been called to Elmore Road in Fallowfield at around 10pm after reports a man was forced into a car.

Eyewitnesses claim that four men, all wearing masks, approached a man who had been stood alone on the street, and forced him into a light coloured car. The car in question is believed to be a Volkswagen Golf.

Later that night it is believed that the victim was removed from the car on on Maine Road in Moss Side. He was then seriously assaulted and moved into another vehicle.

Witnesses described the second vehicle involved to be  a Volkswagen Golf or Volkswagen Passat, however it has not been confirmed yet.

The man was then discovered on Fitwarren Street and taken to hospital, where he remains.

Police Superintendent Dave Pester of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said: “While this set of circumstances is extremely alarming, our team of specialist detectives have been working round the clock since last night to progress our investigation to understand who is responsible and why the victim was subjected to such an ordeal.

“This was not a random attack. This was well thought out and planned with a clear intent to harm this man.”

“Due to the nature of the offence, you may see some officers in the areas mentioned as we gather as much evidence as we possibly can but I need to stress, this is not because we believe there is any wider threat.

“The man is where he needs to be in hospital and we are confident there are no other people at harm but whatever you saw last night, whatever you’ve heard today, it may be crucial in us finding the frankly cruel and vicious people responsible so please, get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4995 quoting reference number 2167 of 18/12/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.