MOTORISTS, dog walkers and ramblers were asked this weekend to help detectives investigating the violent kidnapping of a man near Bacup.

Eight weeks to the day Paul Brady, 44, was snatched from the Beaufort Road area of Weir, police visited Crown Point, in Burnley Road East.

It was there that Mr Brady’s white Ford Connect van and his colleague David Collier’s silver Mercedes 190 were left as members of a 10-strong gang of masked men made their escape in a white Ford Galaxy and a silver Citroen Berlingo.

Police said they are unsure if the 44-year-old is alive but still hope to secure his safe release and were handing out posters to walkers appealing for anyone who may have seen the kidnappers.

Detective Sgt Ian Procter of the Force Major Incident Team was one of several detectives questioning passing motorists at the scene, close to the Eco Trail leading to Clough Bottom Reservoir.

He said: “It is eight weeks since the kidnap took place and we are trying to jog people’s memories.

“Mr Brady’s car and Mr Collier’s car were abandoned at this spot and we want to know if anybody saw any-thing at all.”

Detective Supt Neil Hunter, leading the investigation, said: “Since that day he has not been in touch with his family and friends, which is extremely worrying.

"These vehicles may well have left the scene together and were probably travelling at speed.”

Mr Brady and Mr Collier, 22, were allegedly ‘boxed in’ by two other vehicles as they drove from a development at Lynns Court, Bacup, where Mr Brady was a site manager.

He was forced out of the car and attacked by a gang armed with metal poles and possibly a gun.

He was bundled into another vehicle as Mr Collier managed to flee.

Anyone with information should contact Burnley Police Station on 0845 125 3545 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.