Police have arrested four people following an alleged kidnapping in Whangarei yesterday.
A 28-year-old man was in his vehicle outside an address at Lichfield Street around 2pm yesterday afternoon (31 July 2016) when four people have allegedly approached the vehicle, one armed with a knife.
They have then ordered the victim to get into the front passenger's seat before driving off in the vehicle, during which time the victim was assaulted a number of times. He managed to jump out of the vehicle and was assisted by a member of the public.
The vehicle was located by Police around 4.30pm a kilometre north of Warkworth.
A 28-year-old male and three females, aged 22, 19 and 15 have all been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, kidnapping, theft and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
They will all appear in the Whangarei District Court except for the 15-year-old who will appear in the Youth Court.
Police are now appealing for sightings of a black 2001 BMW sedan between 2pm and 4.30pm south of Whangarei on State Highway 1 and including Loop Road and Otaika Valley Road.
Anyone who has information that can assist Police is asked to contact Detective Aaron Crawford on 09 430 4570. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police