Essex Police arrest man, 19, after linking attempted murder and kidnap in Harlow

Essex Police has vowed to leave “no stone left unturned” following the arrest of a 19-year-old man on suspicion of kidnap and attempted murder in Harlow.

The force has ramped up its presence in the Staple Tye area following two serious incidents on Tuesday (January 7) which are believed to be linked.

At about 2.15pm, a 17-year-old boy was forced into a blue vehicle on Terminus Street.

Then, at about 4.20pm, the ambulance service alerted police to a man in his 30s with life-threatening injuries in Staple Tye Shopping Centre.

Officers closed the precinct and paramedics treated the victim at the scene before taking him to hospital.

He remains in a serious condition, but his injuries are no longer believed to be life-threatening.

In the early hours of Wednesday (January 8), a 19-year-old man from Harlow was arrested in Chatham, Kent, on suspicion of kidnap and attempted murder. He remains in custody.

Sgt Simon Roissetter said: “Officers are working around the clock on this case to ensure no stone is left unturned.

“I’d like to reassure those in Harlow that we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public and that officers will be visible in the Staple Tye area throughout the day while we carry out further enquiries.

“If you see our officers and believe you have any information relating to these incidents – in particular if you have any details or dashcam footage relating to the blue vehicle – please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should quote incident number 717 of Tuesday January 7. See www.essex.police.uk/digital101 or call 101.