Detectives are investigating an incident when an 18-year-old man was seriously assaulted and forced into a car in West Alvington, Kingsbridge.

The incident happened around 9.30pm on Tuesday 24 October when the Kingsbridge man was in Woodhouse Lane, near to the Ring O’ Bells pub.

He was attacked by a number of people before being forced into a small car and taken to an unknown location where he was subjected to further serious assault.

Around an hour later he was released near to West Alvington Cricket Club where he flagged down a passing female motorist who helped him and drove him home.

She is described as in her 40s, possibly Polish and driving a four wheel drive-type vehicle. Police are keen to trace her to assist with their enquiries.

The man sustained minor head injuries, bruising to his body and several injuries to his legs.

A 17-year-old girl from Saltash and a 19-year-old man from Modbury have been arrested in connection with the incident, and released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Laura Logan, of South Devon CID, said: “This was a very serious incident and thankfully the victim did not sustain more serious injuries.

“We are appealing to anyone who may be able to provide any information regarding the incident, or who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area at the time of the offence, to contact police.

“I would like to reassure residents that offences such as this are very unusual, particularly in an area like Kingsbridge.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via [email protected] or by phone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/092360/17.