Pensioner ‘bundled into boot of his car and kidnapped for joyride’

An elderly man was allegedly bundled into the boot of his car before being taken on a joyride in a terrifying “kidnapping”.

Police are also investigating reports the pensioner was punched during the ordeal and dumped on a rural road miles from home.

The man in his 70s was reportedly at Tesco Extra in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, when he was approached by a man on bike and a woman as he sat in his grey Volkswagen Touran late on Monday evening.

Reports on social media say the pair then opened his car door, snatched his phone and demanded he hand over his money.

But when he refused, it is claimed he was dragged out of the car and punched in the face, leaving him with a possible broken nose.

It is understood he was then shoved in the boot of his own car and driven around Stoke-on-Trent before being dumped miles away in the Burslem neighbourhood. He was allowed to get out before they drove off in the car, leaving him stranded.

Police say they were alerted to the incident at 10.40pm, reports Stoke-on-Trent Live.

The suspect was wearing all dark clothing, including a dark woollen hat and had been travelling on a dark-coloured push bike prior to the theft. Officers believe the offender was also in the company of a female.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “We are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and had his vehicle stolen in Stoke-on-Trent recently.

“We were called at 10.40pm on Monday to Hot Lane in Burslem following reports of a robbery. Officers were advised that a man, in his 70s, had been assaulted by another man who then stole his grey Volkswagen Touran and mobile phone.

“The victim sustained facial injuries and was left shaken by the incident. We have visited the victim and provided support to him while we carry out CCTV inquiries in the surrounding area and local officers are increasing patrols in order to reassure the community.”

Anyone with information should contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 807 of October 17. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.