DETECTIVES are investigating an allegation that three youths were forced into a car at knifepoint.

Det Sgt Peter Simm said police received a telephone call on Friday night to say that three teenagers, two aged 18 and the other 19, had been abducted.

The incident is alleged to have taken place in Lanark Street in south west Burnley.

Police said one of the youths was allowed to get out of the vehicle.

He then contacted police on his mobile phone.

As a result, a blue Ford Fiesta was followed along Barden Lane, Greenhead Lane and into St Anne's Drive, Fence.

Mr Simm said: "No one was hurt and the lads were returned home safe and well."

A man was later arrested and taken to Burnley police station for questioning.

Michael Baker, 19, of Cuerdale Street, Burnley, was charged with three separate offences of kidnap and given police bail.

He is due to appear before Pennine magistrates at Burnley on Wednesday.