19-05-2025
Man attacked and kidnapped before being dumped at Championship football stadium
The 28-year-old man was sat in his car when he was approached by two men, and moments later was forced into the back of a black Mercedes - he was dumped near Middlesbrough FC's Riverside Stadium
Police have launched an urgent kidnapping investigation after a man was allegedly kidnapped and dumped near a Championship football stadium.
The 28-year-old man was sat in his car at approximately 1am on Saturday when he was approached by two men. After a short conversation, a black Mercedes pulled up beside his car, and moments later a man got out of the vehicle before forcefully removing him from the car and assaulting him. He then forced him into the back of the Mercedes and drove off. The victim was driven about 2.5 miles to an open area close to Middlesbrough FC 's Riverside Stadium, where he was thrown out of the car.
The man suffered injuries to his face, and was taken to the NHS James Cook University Hospital for treatment.
Police are now urging members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have information to come forward.
They are especially keen to hear from anyone who saw or has footage of a blue BMW seen in the area shortly before the incident.
The appeal includes any relevant dash cam or CCTV footage which could help detectives with the investigation.
Cleveland Police's Detective Constable Yasmeen Hussain, from Middlesbrough CID, said: 'We have numerous enquiries ongoing to identify the men involved in the alleged kidnap and assault and as part of that I am appealing for information, CCTV or dash cam footage that could assist the investigation.
'I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw, or has footage, of a blue BMW that drove up and down Longford Street prior to the man being forced into the black car.
'If you have information, please call Cleveland Police on 101 or visit the force's website quoting reference number 088226.'
Opened in 1995, the The Riverside Stadium has an official capacity of around 34,000, and was built to replace Middlesbrough's former home ground, Ayresome Park.
The stadium is located on the banks of the River Tees, roughly one mile (1.6 km) from Middlesbrough city centre.
It hosts regular events and concerts, as well as football matches during the EFL Championship season.
