TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after a man was dragged off the street, assaulted and thrown into a canal.

But police believe a number of other men suspected of being involved in the attack in Blackburn are still at large.

Officers said the 52-year-old victim was bundled into a black Audi Q7 4x4 car outside Zy Bar, in Mincing Lane, before being driven across the town centre to Eanam Wharf.

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He was then attacked by four or five men before being thrown into the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

Detectives said as he struggled in the water one of the gang threw a large stone at the man.

He suffered a fractured cheek as a result of the beating, but police said it was lucky the incident had not ended ‘tragically’.

The attack was also condemned as a ‘horrific crime’ by a town centre councillor, who said it had left people in the area shaken.

Coun Suleman Khonat said: “This is a very serious matter. It could have ended in a death.

“My heart goes out to the victim.

“It is very difficult when something like this happens. It shakes everybody in the area up because you do not expect these things to happen.”

Police said the victim managed to climb out of the canal, next to Calypso Bar, and flee from the scene.

An investigation was launched and police have been piecing together the circumstances surrounding the incident.

They are now appealing for witnesses who might be able to identify the men involved to come forward.

Det Sgt Ian Procter, from Blackburn CID, said it was believed the victim knew his attackers.

He said: “This was an extremely frightening incident for the victim and could have ended tragically.

“I am keen to speak with people at the Calypso Bar at the time of the incident, 10pm on a Friday night, who may have witnessed the attack on the man.

“I would like to reassure the residents of Blackburn that we believe this was an isolated incident and the men and victim are known to each other.”

Coun Khonat also urged potential witnesses to look to their conscience and report any information to police.

He said: “This was a horrific crime.

“I would urge the public to get in touch with the police if they have any information, however small they might think it is.”

A 49-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and kidnap. He was bailed until November 19.

A 27-year-old from Blackburn has also been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and was bailed until October 17.

Anybody with information about the incident on September 5 should call police on 101 quoting reference LC-20140905-1712 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.