POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was kidnapped and assaulted.

Officers say the 22-year-old victim was dragged into a car outside a One Stop Community Store in  by a number of men who may have been carrying knives.

The incident, which officers believe was targeted, happened at 7.29pm on Friday, February 20.

The victim, who is from London, was dragged into a silver Vauxhall Astra Life.

Police say the vehicle left the scene in the direction of the A35 and is known to have travelled in the Somerford Estate, Christchurch town centre and Druitt Road areas.

The victim was located at around 10.30pm in the Christchurch area and is receiving hospital treatment for a number of serious injuries.

The first offender, who was driving the car, is described as black, six feet one inches tall and has two silver teeth at the front.

He was wearing a dark blue cap, a black puffer jacket similar to a body warmer, blue jeans and trainers. He had a Jamaican sounding accent.

The second man is described as black, six feet two inches tall, of stocky build, with a rough-looking full beard and was wearing a dark blue hoodie with a black jumper over the top, tracksuit trousers and possibly trainers.

The third man is described as black and was wearing a dark grey jumper, grey trousers and a jacket over his shoulder.

No arrests have been made. Detective Inspector Stewart Dipple, of Dorset Police, said: “This was a very serious incident that led to the victim suffering serious injuries, which are thankfully not thought to be life threatening.

“I would like to reassure residents that offences such as this are very unusual in Dorset. It was an isolated incident and the victim and offenders are known to each other.

“I am appealing for witnesses and anyone with information about this incident or who saw a silver Vauxhall Astra being driven in the Christchurch area yesterday evening to please call me urgently.

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.”

Local residents said they were shocked to hear of the incident.

One, who asked not to be named, said he had seen a car driving around the area that matched the description given by police.

He said: "He drove past our house a couple of times. He then got out and he was talking very loudly. I came in the house and didn't think anything of it. I didn't think anything like that would happen."

Lewis Frampton, of Druitt Road, said: "You don't normally hear of anything like it around here."

Cara Staniford, who has lived in the area since the late 90s said it was a shame to hear of the incident.

The mother-of-two said: "The area has turned itself around. It is a shame this has happened here. I won't let it worry me. I just hope they find whoever it was."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 20:364. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.