Police are hunting a wanted man after a teenager was allegedly kidnapped and threatened with a handgun before escaping from his captors.

The incident is alleged to have taken place in the Roebuck area of Stevenage at about 10.30am on Tuesday, when an 18-year-old man is alleged to have been forced into a car.

The victim is alleged to have been threatened with a handgun before escaping from the vehicle.

Detectives would like to speak with 25-year-old Amadur Rahman, of Jessop Road in Stevenage, who is wanted on suspicion of kidnap.

A number of warrants were carried out on Thursday in Stevenage and Hitchin and five people have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation. A number of weapons have also been seized.

Ryan McElligott, 31, of Todds Green in Stevenage, has been charged with conspiracy to kidnap, possession of a firearm without a certificate, possession of an imitation firearm without a certificate, and possession of a firearm.

Jason Harperstott, 25, of no fixed address has been charged with kidnap, blackmail, possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply and having a firearm.

Both appeared at Hatfield Remand Court on Saturday and were remanded in custody.

A 19-year-old man, 36-year-old man and 22-year-old woman, all from Stevenage, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are on police bail.

Detective Inspector Hannah Mann, from the Local Crime Unit in Stevenage, is investigating the incident and said: “It is understandable that incidents of this nature may cause concern in the community but I would like to reassure the public that we know this incident is targeted to a specific individual.

“I would ask that anyone who sees Amadur Rahman or knows of his whereabouts not to approach him but to contact police immediately with information.”

Anyone with information, call the Herts police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number E1/14/2466. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.