Two men kidnapped and attacked in Walton
Two men have been kidnapped and attacked in Liverpool, leaving one of them with serious injuries.
A 23-year-old was forced into a silver car near Asda on Utting Avenue, Walton, at about 2200 BST on Friday, before being assaulted and released nearby.
An hour later, a 26-year-old was forced into a black cab near Newark Street and was badly beaten, sustaining suspected fractures to both hands.
Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them.
Detectives from Merseyside Police believe the two incidents are linked and both men were targeted.
House-to-house enquiries are being carried out and a number of scenes are being examined by forensic officers.
Police patrols have also been stepped up in the area.
Det Ch Insp Tracy Hayes said: "At this point we are investigating a number of lines of enquiry around these targeted attacks.
"The second assault was particularly violent and I am keen to talk to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious that could be linked to either of these incidents."