A shocking Bristol hijacking attempt has sparked a major police investigation after a woman was seen being dragged screaming into an auto in the Clifton area of the megacity.
The intimidating incident unfolded on the evening of 30 September, when substantiations reported seeing a woman, allowed
to be in her 30s, being forced into a Peugeot 207 by a man in what police are calling a “truly shocking series of events”.
The terrifying chain of events
According to Avon and Somerset Police, the woman could be heard crying for help as a man allegedly tried to push her into the vehicle in busy Clifton, a popular part of Bristol megacity centre.
A quick- allowing member of the public is said to have bravely interposed, crying at the suspect as the auto sped down with the woman still outside.
Police later traced the auto on the A39 near Coxley, just outside Wells, Somerset, where the woman managed to escape.
But the fire didn’t end there. Officers said the man also tried to force her back inside the auto before driving off when other drivers stopped hard.
Moments later, the suspect reportedly drove the auto towards the victim and forced her outside again, in what witnesses described as a horrifying battle.
The vehicle was later seen pulling into an auto demesne on Rowdens Road in Wells, where the woman was again heard screaming for help towards three men hard. They incontinently rushed over to help as the man fled the scene on bottom.
The good Samaritans helped the worried woman get to safety, driving her down from the area in their black taproom auto.
Police appeal for key witnesses
Detectives say they are keen to speak with the three men who helped the woman, as well as anyone who may have seen what happened in either Clifton, Coxley, or Wells that evening.
Detective Constable Kirsty Richards said in a statement: “This was a truly shocking series of incidents and we’ve carried out a significant amount of work, including reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out house-to-house enquiries, since it was reported to make sure the victim is safe and that 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.
Our investigation has identified several people who may have witnessed parts of this incident or the car involved, and we want to speak to them.
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, and I would urge them to get in contact with us as soon as they can.”
Ongoing Bristol Kidnapping investigation
The Avon and Somerset Police verified that a man has been arrested and remains under investigation. Officers comforted the public that the suspected hijacking attempt in Bristol involved people known to each other and that there was no wider peril to the community.
Anyone with information, dashcam footage, or who witnessed any part of this incident is prompted to communicate with Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference number 5225274967, or submit details via the online prayers form on the force’s website.
Residents in Clifton and Wells have described feeling shocked by the incident, with numerous praising the public’s quick conduct that may have averted an even worse outcome.
The case has transferred ripples through the Bristol community, with numerous people calling for increased safety details and mindfulness following what police have verified was a serious attempted hijacking.
