A YOUNG boy was kidnapped and bundled into the back of a van by three men in a 'terrifying ordeal' in broad daylight.

The 12-year-old, who was playing with friends at Branksome Recreation Ground, Poole, was chased by the men, tackled to the ground then forced into the parked van.

Then police say he was driven to a nearby address at Stanfield Road to apologise for criminal damage said to have taken place outside the previous day.

Detective Sergeant Aimee Lloyd, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This incident was extremely frightening for the victim.

"A full investigation is underway into this incident and we are supporting the victim as we make our enquiries."

On Thursday, October 15, around 4.30pm, three men approached the youngster at the recreation ground.

Initially the boy ran, but he was chased, caught and walked back to a white van before being ordered to get in.

After being taken to an address at Stanfield Road, the lad – who was physically unharmed throughout – was made to apologise for causing criminal damage.

Soon afterwards he ran back to his friends at the recreation ground.

Now police are appealing for a key witness to come forward.

Det Sgt Lloyd said: “I would like to appeal directly to a woman who was in Branksome Recreation Ground at the time of the incident and spoke to the victim’s friends to please get in touch as she may have important information to assist me.

"I would like to reassure everyone that we are carrying out thorough and extensive enquiries into the full circumstances of what happened.

“If you have any concerns and would like to speak to an officer, please make contact with your local neighbourhood policing team.”

  • A 30-year-old man and 16-year-old boy, both from Poole, were arrested on suspicion of kidnap.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man also from Poole has voluntarily attended for interview in relation to the incident.

They have all been released under investigation pending further enquiries.