DETECTIVES say they are still filling in the gaps into what happened the day a businessman was kidnapped.

Tony Pattison, 45, was snatched from his car as he ate sandwiches at the seafront at Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool.

He was bundled into a white Ford Transit van and held for more than 30 hours before being released when ransom money was handed over.

Police eventually arrested a 42-year-old man, from Hartlepool, in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, who has been released on bail. The van, registration Y599 GFT, was recovered with the ransom money in the back.

Mr Pattison, a building contractor, was taken from Seaton Carew at about 2.20pm on Monday, March 8. He was freed at about 9.30pm the following day from a shed along a dirt track signposted to Woodside Farm, near the Samsung factory at Wynyard, north of Stockton.

Yesterday, a police spokesman said: "Inquires are continuing. We are still trying to fill the gaps of what happened and identify those responsible. A dedicated team is working on the case."

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 303187 or 301783. Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555111.