Epping: A man was kidnapped and assaulted with a hot iron before being dumped in Epping Forest.

The 24-year-old Asian victim was left with burns but managed to call for help by staggering to Epping New Road.

The man was in his car in Ilford Lane, Ilford, on Wednesday, November 7, when at around 3pm, a man knocked on the car window, leaned in and grabbed the keys.

As the driver tried to escape, he was pushed back into the vehicle by other men who put a hood over his head.

Police say the man was asked for drugs, but he told them he did not know anything about any drugs.

He was held in the back of the car and driven around for 15 minutes before being taken to a building where he was assaulted with a hot iron and then punched and kicked. Again, the kidnappers demanded details about drugs, but the victim repeated that he did not know what they was talking about.

He was then bundled back into the car, driven around for another 15 minutes before they dumped him in Epping Forest, near High Beech. The kidnappers drove off in the car.

Although suffering burns to his legs and feet as well as cuts and bruises, the victim managed to get to Epping New Road and was able to contact his girlfriend, who picked him up.

The kidnappers had stolen jewellery, a mobile phone and a wallet containing cash. The car, a white Renault Clio, is also still missing.

Police have described one kidnapper as black, aged around 22, of medium build, with black hair in a mohican-style. He was wearing a gold necklace. Another man is black, aged 22, 5ft 8ins tall with short black hair.

Witnesses are still being sought. Anyone with information should call PC Richard Bull at Ilford CID on 8553 2336.

November 22, 2001 13:00