Tri-Service

Man Seen Near Colchester Garrison Not Linked To RAF Abduction

Possible Sighting of RAF Abduction Suspects Near Colchester Barracks.

Police say a man seen near Colchester Garrison is not linked to the the attempted abduction of an RAF serviceman in Marham.

Fears were raised after reports of people matching the description of two men who had tried to kidnap the serviceman at knifepoint were spotted near the garrison in Essex.

However, Essex police said:

"Police were contacted shortly before 09:00 with reports of a man seen in Layer Road, Colchester, who was thought to resemble the man depicted in the efit issued by Norfolk Constabulary in relation to the attempted abduction of a serviceman at RAF Marham. Essex Police have been working with Norfolk Police who has confirmed that the sighting was not of the man in the efit."

The garrison is currently the home to the British Army's 16th Air Assault Brigade.

It comes after police have received 150 calls after they released e-fit images of the two men suspected of attempting to abduct the serviceman last Wednesday.

The married serviceman was out running near RAF Marham in Norfolk last week when he was grabbed by a man who tried to drag him into a car.

He said the other suspected attacker was carrying a knife when the attack happened at 3:30pm last Wednesday.

He was able to escape after punching and headbutting his way free.

Police from the Norfolk Constabulary believe the victim may have given the attacker a black eye.

Roadblocks were put in place around the village on Wednesday as police officers stopped vehicles and asked drivers if they knew anything about the incident while handing out leaflets with the e-fit images.

Detective Superintendent Paul Durham is leading the investigation, he said he was pleased with the public's response:

“We've received 150 calls from members of the public, from people locally and further afield, and officers are following up this information.”

"The road blocks allowed us to capture people who might not necessarily live in the area but use the routes for work or leisure purposes.”

"This was useful in identifying some drivers with dash cams and this footage has been retrieved and will be reviewed.”

Both of the suspects are described as Middle Eastern in appearance.

Suspect 1 is aged between 20-30, about 6ft tall, of athletic but stocky build, with dark hair which was long on top and had a well-groomed beard.

He had a dark skin tone and wore causal clothing.

Suspect 2 is aged between 20-30, but younger than the first suspect and of a slimmer build.

He was about 5ft 10, clean shaven with short dark hair and wore a white t-shirt and dark shorts.

Anyone who recognises either of the suspects or has information regarding their whereabouts should call police on 101 or the hotlines on 0800 056 0154 or 0207 158 0011.