Police appeal for help to find kidnapped builder

Detectives have appealed to the public for help in tracing Paul Brady, 44, from Rochdale, who was snatched by a large group of men in Bacup, Lancashire, six weeks ago, while he was working on a housing development with his friend David Collier.

The building site manager was assaulted by the group, all of whom were wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons, before being forced into a vehicle.

Mr Collier, 22, escaped.

The victims' cars were stolen and later abandoned nearby at the Clough Bottom reservoir.

Neil Hunter, detective superintendent of Burnley police, said: "We are doing everything we can to secure his safe release but we need the community's help.”

A 34-year-old man from Burnley has been charged with conspiracy to kidnap in connection with the incident and will appear at Preston Crown Court on 11 November.