Blackburn Kidnap Shocker: Three Men Jailed After Daylight Abduction
Police swooped on three men following a chilling daylight kidnap at Blackburn’s Tesco Superstore on March 5. At 12.20pm, desperate onlookers spotted a man in his 20s being taken against his will, sparking a swift police response.
Victim Snatched in Tesco Car Park
CCTV revealed the victim arriving in a Skoda Octavia, parking in the Hill Street car park, before walking towards the trolley shelter with another man. Suddenly, three men—Gratas Mitkus, Mantas Vitkus, and Liudvitkas Luksys—detained him, hauled him back to the car, and sped off. The companion ran into Tesco and raised the alarm.
Police Hunt Leads to Arrests and Seizure of Suspicious Items
- CCTV tracked the suspects’ Skoda escaping along Burnley Road to Gloucester Road, where the victim was held for 20 minutes.
- The men then returned to Tesco to collect another car.
- All three suspects were arrested on the M62 at 7pm the same day.
- Officers found gloves, thick adhesive tape, a crow-bar, black bin liners, and a knife-sharpening iron in their vehicles—tools fuelling fears of a more sinister plan.
Justice Served: Guilty Pleas and Jail Time
Thanks to a huge police operation and public tips, the victim was found safe and well. The trio, aged 25 and 26, pleaded guilty to affray at Preston Crown Court. Liudukas and Vitkus were jailed for 15 months; Mitkus received 17 months.
“These defendants took a man against his will in broad daylight, shocking everyone who witnessed it,” said DC Hazel Richardson of East CID. “We are relieved the victim is safe. Lancashire Police won’t tolerate this behaviour and will use every resource to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.”
“This complex case involved teams from West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester Police working tirelessly. We thank the public for their vital support.”
