Woman escapes after being forced into car in Shrewsbury
A woman was allegedly forced to get into a car in Shropshire, before managing to escape into a lay-by and call the police.
The car was later discovered abandoned while a seriously injured man who is thought to be the driver was found nearby.
Police have identified a number of key witnesses and urging anyone with information to come forward.
The incident happened between 7pm and 7.35pm last Saturday when a woman was approached by a man, reported to be known to her, as she walked towards Sutton Road bridge in Shrewsbury.
After talking for a short time, the man threatened the woman and persuaded her to sit in the front seat of a black Volkswagen Sharan people carrier.
The man then drove this vehicle to the area of Cross Houses, near Shrewsbury, before pulling into a lay-by to talk to the victim.
Several cars are believed to have driven past the Sharan whilst it was parked, and officers would like to hear from anyone who may remember seeing the vehicle.
The Sharan drove further along the road and came up behind a man walking a dog in the direction of Cross Houses.
The dog walker, who may have important information, is described as a white man, about 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build, aged in his fifties, with short hair.
He was wearing a tan coloured top and was carrying a dog lead, with the dog being described as being similar in size to a Labrador.
The driver of the black car then returned to the lay-by, travelling back in the direction of Atcham, where the victim was able to exit and run away from the car, at which point she called police.
The vehicle left in an unknown direction before being found at around 8.10pm in Bell Lane, Shrewsbury, near to the junctions with Bishop Street and Alfred Street.
A member of the public found an injured man, believed to be the driver, near to the car and called an ambulance, waiting with him until it attended.
The man currently remains in hospital in a serious condition and his injuries are not being treated as suspicious.
Detective constable Paul Rogers, of West Mercia Police, said: "Firstly, I would like to reassure members of the community that we are treating this as an isolated incident and that there is no increased threat to their safety.
"Officers from West Mercia Police are continuing to support the victim at this difficult time and ensure her safety and well being.
"Our investigations have identified a number of witnesses who may have important information.
"We urge them to contact us as soon as possible and we would particularly like to hear from the man walking his dog near Cross Houses.
"We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the car in the Bell Lane area of Shrewsbury at around 8pm that night."
Anyone who has information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident number 739s of July 30 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
