Police probe separate kidnappings which happened within minutes of each other 20 miles apart

Detectives are probing separate kidnappings which happened within an hour of each other after two women were snatched off the street and bundled into vehicles 20 miles apart.

West Midlands Police were first called to reports that a woman was heard screaming from inside a van at a car park in Cheylesmore, Coventry on Sunday evening (13/3).

It is believed a bare-chested man drove away in an old white van with the victim inside at the junction of Quinton Park and Blondvil Street at around at 8.40pm.

The force then received another 999 call reporting that a female was dragged off the street and into a car in West Bromwich, West Mids., at around 9.40pm.

The woman was waiting by a bus stop in Hill Top when she was approached by a man who pulled her across the road and into a vehicle being driven by another male.

Witnesses described the woman as being in distress and shouting and police say they have "serious concerns" for her welfare.

It is not yet known if detectives are linking the two attacks.

Regarding the West Bromwich kidnap, a police spokesperson said: "We've launched an investigation to identify and find the woman, and trace the men and car involved.

"The man who approached the woman is described as white, bald and in his 40s. We believe the car was a grey BMW X5.

"We're appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed what happened - or any motorists with dash-cam who may have caught the vehicle on video - to get in touch."