Murder arrest after suspected North Tyneside Coast Road kidnapping

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with a suspected kidnapping on the Coast Road in North Tyneside.

Police received a report of a man having fallen from a moving white Vito Mercedes van travelling on the Coast Road in Wallsend just after 7:30 pm on Friday, July 1

Emergency services attended the scene and found a 34-year-old man who had sustained serious injuries. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

An investigation was immediately launched by detectives to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and locate those believed to have been involved.

Two men, aged 18 and 55, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. Two further men, both aged 20, were also arrested on suspicion of kidnap. They have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are now appealing to the public for anyone who saw what happened or has information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is clearly a very serious incident and we’re committed to finding out the full circumstances surrounding what happened.

“While the investigation is still at an early stage, at present, we do not believe that there is any wider risk to the public.

“I am today asking for the public’s help. Anybody who believes they witnessed this incident, or who saw anything suspicious or of note in that area on Friday evening, is asked to get in touch with police if they have not already done so.

“We are especially keen to speak to anyone who was in the Coast Road area at the time, even if passing through for travel, and may have CCTV or dashcam footage which could assist officers.”

Anyone with information can get in touch via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the police website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20220701-0981.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.