Woman pushed into boot of car during ‘attempted abduction’

Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie was speaking after the PSNI appealed for information after a woman was attacked in Portadown on Sunday.

Mr Beattie described the incident as an attempted abduction.

He said his constituent revealed that he saw a woman being pushed into the boot of a car by a man.

“It was very frightening. Screaming was heard and the police were called,” said Mr Beattie.

A PSNI spokesperson appealed for witnesses to the incident on Sunday morning.

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.

“Our enquiries are continuing this afternoon, and I would appeal to anyone who was in this area this morning and saw what happened to call us.

“I would also urge anyone who believes they have seen the red Audi, which is described as having a dark-coloured roof, possibly black, or possibly with a large dark sunroof, or who knows of its whereabouts, to get in touch with our detectives in Lurgan on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 641 of 10/05/20. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley 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.”

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