Two men attempted to kidnap a woman in Hampshire on Saturday evening, police have said.

The woman was pulled towards an area of bushes near an Aldi car park, Hampshire police said.

It happened on Frenchman’s Road in Petersfield at around 5.35pm on Saturday.

The force said that when the men were confronted, they got into their car and left.

Police located the vehicle a short time later on Station Road and arrested three people – a 30-year-old man, an 18-year-old man from Hounslow and a 16-year-old boy from Kingston-upon-Thames on suspicion of attempted kidnap.

All three remain in police custody at the current time.

Investigating officers are now looking for anyone who was in the Aldi car park around the time of the incident who may have seen what happened, particularly those who have mobile phone or dash cam footage. 

Detective Inspector Claire Ratcliffe, who is leading enquiries, said: “We fully appreciate that this incident will be of concern to members of the public and I would like to reassure you that all those involved are known to each other and there is not believed to be a wider risk to the public at the current time.

“We are carrying out a thorough investigation into what has taken place today and to assist us with this we need to hear from anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to police.

“We believe there were a number of witnesses in the car park at the time, some of which have possibly captured the incident on their phones.

“It’s vital that if you have seen what happened or have any information that you please get in touch with police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 44240208814, or go online to the Hampshire Police website.