POLICE in the North-East are investigating allegations of a kidnap.

A 26-year-old man was reportedly "enticed" from his Middlesbrough flat and bundled into the back of a car which then drove off into the North Yorkshire countryside.

The kidnappers' victim, who was punched but not seriously hurt, eventually managed to escape his captors and run to a house for help.

Cleveland Police have been told that during the car ride the man called for help to a driver carrying out roadside repairs to a coach near the village of Potto, near Stokesley.

A police spokesman said: "It is believed the incident, which happened in the early hours of Sunday, was sparked by a long-running dispute among people known to each other. While in the car the group passed the coach driver who was thought to be near Potto Hall.

"They stopped and offered to help but as they did so their kidnapped victim shouted out. The alleged abductors quickly drove off."

Police are appealing for the coach driver-mechanic to come forward and contact the Force on (01642) 303126. Detectives say he could hold the key to the mystery.

The abduction took place at the weekend, but details were only released by Cleveland Police yesterday