Third man arrested over kidnap of pensioner who was strangled

A third man has been arrested over the kidnap of an 87-year-old pensioner who was dragged into a car, blindfolded and strangled.

The man, 39, was arrested on suspicion of kidnap on September 22 at an address in Blackpool. He remains in custody for questioning.

Shohad Miah, 24, from Royton in Greater Manchester, was previously charged with kidnap, grievous bodily harm, robbery and intentional strangulation. 

The arrests are in relation to an incident that occurred at approximately 9pm when the 87-year-old was walking home in the Lee Street area of Oldham. 

He was dragged into a black car and blindfolded, while demands were made for his money and personal items, before he was pushed out roughly 19 miles away in the Rishworth area of West Yorkshire. 

The man eventually got help after knocking on a door at around 10.40pm.

Detective Inspector Emma Hulston, from GMP's Major Incident Team, said: 'We have now arrested three men in connection with this shocking incident and we continue to make good progress with our enquiries.

'We understand the concern from local residents and those further afield across Greater Manchester after hearing of what happened to the elderly man, we do believe it was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.

Specialist officers are supporting the victim whilst he recovers from this traumatic ordeal and we have an investigation team working hard behind the scenes to investigate fully and build a timeline of events leading up to this incident.

'We continue our appeal for information that may assist their enquiries and any information can be submitted through the major incident portal, linked here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24S63-PO1

'Information can be provided through our MIPP Portal, or by contacting the investigation team on 0161 856 3635 quoting log number 3165/150924.

'The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.'