Lancashire police have asked for public assitance to trace man snatched from housing development site

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.