Man kidnapped and beaten up in daytime attack

A man was subjected to a terrifying kidnap ordeal in Belfast today when a gang of masked men dragged him from his car, drove to a secluded beauty spot and attacked him.

The victim, aged in his late 40s, was treated in hospital for head wounds after the early morning assault – which police are not blaming on paramilitaries.

His three assailants rammed his blue Volkswagen Passat car as he drove through Orchardville Gardens in the Finaghy area at around 7am.

They forced him into the boot of their black Skoda and then drove to the Divis Mountain area, where they beat him up.

They sped off leaving the man to flag down a passing motorist for help.

He was treated in hospital but later discharged.

His car was stolen in the incident.

Police, who are still trying to establish a motive for the attack, have appealed for witnesses to come forward.