COPS have arrested a man after a woman was repeatedly forced into a car in a busy city – sparking an urgent investigation.
The victim, in her 30s, was heard screaming for help as she was targeted numerous times by the man in the Bristol area.
A probe remains ongoing into the shocking incidents, which unfolded throughout the afternoon and into the evening of September 30.
Police say the woman was initially forced into a silver Peugeot 207 by a man in the Clifton area of Bristol.
He was challenged by a nearby member of the public who shouted at him.
A few hours later, the car stopped on the A39 in Coxley, near Wells, Somerset, before the victim managed to flee the car.
The man attempted to force her back in the vehicle, but he was forced to drive off when several cars pulled up behind him.
Shortly after, in the same area, the car was driven at the victim and she was once again pulled in.
Several cars are believed to have passed by as she was forced back in the Peugeot.
The car was then driven to a small car park on Rowdens Road, before the victim managed to shout for help.
She flagged down three members of the public before she was dragged away by the man.
But he eventually fled the scene as the victim was helped by the three men, who later gave her a lift away from the area and to safety.
DC Kirsty Richards said: “This was a truly shocking series of incidents and we’ve carried out a significant amount of work…
“… reviewing CCTV and carrying out house-to-house enquiries to make sure the victim is safe and the man is identified and brought to justice.
“We believe there’s no wider risk to the public; this incident involved two people who were known to each other.
“The victim is being supported by specialist officers.”
Avon and Somerset Police have called on any witnesses to come forward.
This includes the three men driving a black saloon who drove the victim to safety and who detectives believe could be key witnesses.
DC Kirsty Richards added: “Our investigation has identified a number of people who may have witnessed parts of this incident or the car involved.
“We are particularly keen to speak to the person who bravely attempted to intervene in Bristol…
“… any drivers who saw anything in Coxley, and the three men who helped the victim in Wells.
“We believe they could have information that could be vitally important to our investigation.
“I would urge them to get in contact with us as soon as they can.”
