PSNI charge man with kidnapping after injured woman seen running to safety

Police have charged a 30-year-old man with kidnapping and false imprisonment after reports of a struggle between a man and a woman in Portadown.

Detectives from PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Branch charged the suspect after investigating an incident in the Kensington Park area of Portadown yesterday morning.

He is expected to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning, Tuesday May 12.

Detective Inspector Darren Handley said: “We recently appealed to anyone with information about this incident to come forward, and I’m keen to thank those members of the pubic who responded. Such cooperation is invaluable as we work to keep people safe.”

On Sunday Detective Sergeant McCarragher said: “We received a report at 9:15am of some type of altercation or struggle between a man and a woman in Kensington Park, just off Long Lane, Portadown. The male was in a red Audi A4. The woman managed to run away from the male and get herself to safety.

“The driver of the suspect Audi drove off, however, the vehicle is believed to have been on the Ballygargan Road in Portadown a short time later. The female victim has been left badly shaken by this incident, during which she sustained minor injuries to her face and knees.”

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley MLA said: “I would commend the PSNI on their swift response to the incident and I would advise the public to continue assisting the police with their ongoing investigation. My thoughts are with the young lady and her family following this extremely distressing incident.

“The police have advised that the public take precaution and not to walk alone where possible.”