A MAN was grabbed and dragged across a field into woodland by a group of people before being thrown into a swamp.

Police are appealing for information following the incident, which happened in Rainhill on Saturday night, September 26.

At around 10pm a man in his 20s, who had been to the The Holt pub in the village was walking along Two Butt Lane when a car pulled up behind him.

It is reported that three or four men got out of the vehicle and grabbed the victim. They then dragged him across a field and into a wooded area at the back of Honeybourne Drive and threw him into water.

The men then made off.

It is understood the victim, stuck in the swamp, then phoned for help before being rescued and he then returned home.

Police were alerted at around 11pm after the man had returned home.

Officers say the victim was left "shocked but uninjured" and enquiries into what police called a "mysterious and concerning incident" continue.

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Inspector Jim Wilde said: "This is a mysterious and concerning incident and we're looking to speak to anyone who was passing and saw what happened, including details of the vehicle the suspects were in. If you have any information, were passing and have dashcam or other footage, please come forward.

"It is unclear what was behind the assault, but it could clearly have resulted in serious injuries and we're determined to find those responsible and take action."