Mystery of 'abducted' man outside sports centre

Jun 9 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A MAN said to have been bundled into a car outside a sports centre may not have been abducted.

Detectives say the man may actually have been being HELPED by a friend into the car. However, yesterday (Wednesday) the reason behind the apparently sinister incident remained unexplained.

Police launched a probe after members of the public looked on in horror as it appeared that a young man was being ‘bundled’ into an estate car and driven away as he left the gym at Larkhall Leisure Centre last Thursday at 10.20pm.

Detectives were this week keen to track down the man and the driver of the car and urged them to come forward.

The man ‘bundled’ into the car was described as approximately late teen to early 20s and slim. He was wearing a light top and dark trousers.

Detective sergeant Julie Mullen, of Hamilton CID, appealed for the public’s help and wants to speak to anyone who may have information regarding the incident.

Police said that the leisure centre would have been busy last Thursday when the unexplained incident occurred.

DS Mullen added that members of several clubs, including a martial arts club and other users, left at the time of the incident.

She wants to speak to a man who was in a silver VW saloon car shortly before the alleged incident occurred.

Yesterday, DS Mullen issued a plea for the public’s help in tracking down the men.

She said: “Enquiries are still ongoing to establish what actually took place. However, it would appear that the man who was approached by the driver of the dark-coloured estate vehicle was known to him and that the driver was simply being of assistance.

“However, in order that we can conclude our investigation we would still like to trace both men.”

The men are urged to contact DS Mullen at Hamilton CID on 483300, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where calls are free and anonymity can be maintained.