A 17-YEAR-OLD youth was snatched from the street and beaten up in a terrifying abduction last night.

The Asian teenager was walking along Elm Street, Burnley, at 9pm when he was dragged into a car by a gang of five Asian men.

He was beaten up while still in the vehicle and then dumped in the Sabden area. The motive is unclear, but detectives have not ruled out a drugs connection.

The victim was rescued by relatives who contacted police, though the exact location of where he was dumped is not yet known.

He is being treated in hospital but his injuries are not said to be serious.

Detective Constable Lynda Ashworth said: "A 17-year-old male was dragged into a vehicle on Elm Street. The vehicle was a dark green Rover-type vehicle, possibly an M registration.

"The male was driven to the Sabden area, we think via Padiham, where he was assaulted and he was located by a relative. Police were informed at that stage at around 10.30 to 11pm.

"He was taken to hospital but was not seriously injured. He is shocked by what has happened. The motive is unknown and our investigation is on-going.

"It's being treated very seriously. We have numerous inquiries on-going at this stage and a team of officers are investigating."

DC Ashworth added inquiries were also on-going to establish the extent of how well the teenager knew his captors.

Detectives have launched a witness appeal for anyone who saw the snatch on Elm Street, the dumping in Sabden or the vehicle's journey.

Three men were last night arrested in connection with the abduction and are currently in police custody.