Police '˜cannot rule out terrorism' in attempted soldier kidnap

Police investigating the attempted knifepoint abduction of an RAF serviceman said there may have been an element of 'pre-planning' and they cannot rule out terrorism as a motive.

The victim was running near RAF Marham in Norfolk. Picture: PA

The married serviceman, who is in his late 20s, was out running near RAF Marham, in Norfolk, on Wednesday when he was grabbed by a man, who attempted to drag him towards a nearby car.

He knocked the first attacker to the floor then an accomplice, carrying a knife, helped him up before both men fled.

The serviceman was said to have been left “very, very shaken by his ordeal”.

Norfolk Police Detective Superintendent Paul Durham said: “I can confirm we are treating this as an attempted abduction and detailed inquiries are being carried out at the scene to establish the full circumstances.

“The motivation for the attack remains unclear at this time, and whilst we are currently unable to discount terrorism, there are a number of other possible hypotheses. We are therefore carrying out a thorough investigation to understand what has happened, why and who is responsible.”

When asked at a press conference if he thought it was a pre-planned attack, Mr Durham replied: “I would be speculating at the moment but it is difficult to envisage a situation where perhaps there wasn’t an element of pre-planning, but it’s too early to say for sure.”

He added: “It was a regular running route for the victim. It’s a regular running route for a number of personnel within RAF Marham. It’s a well-trodden path.”

Police are keen to trace the two men, a dark-coloured people carrier and also the “military-style” knife, with a two-and-a-half to three-inch blade.

Mr Durham said it was believed the first man shouted something at the victim, who did not hear because he was listening to music.

Norfolk Police released descriptions of two suspects of Middle Eastern appearance as military personnel were reportedly sent a memo warning them about the incident.

The force also said military bases were increasingly vigilant after the incident.

Nick Dean, Assistant Chief Constable, said: “The vigilance in and around not only RAF Marham but military bases has clearly increased as a result of this incident, however the wider security threat to the public and in terms of military bases remains unchanged at this time.”