Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Detectives investigating the kidnap of two young boys by three masked men on a housing estate have released CCTV footage of two potential witnesses.
The six and 10-year-olds were ordered into a white van and driven around for several minutes after being snatched from a property at around 7am on New Year's Eve.
The pair were eventually allowed out of the van and they ran back uninjured to Hemming Way on the Britwell estate in Slough, Berkshire.
Detectives have now released CCTV of two people, possibly an adult and a child who may have seen either the van or the children fleeing it, walking in the area at around 7.20am.
Detective Inspector Nicola Hurdley, of Thames Valley Police, urged the pair to come forward as she revealed support was being given to the children.
She said: "I would appeal to the people captured in the CCTV, possibly an adult and child, who were walking in Upper Lees Road at about 7.20am to 7.25am to contact police immediately, because they may have vital information that can help our investigation."
She added: "I would also reiterate my appeal to anyone else with any information, no matter how insignificant, to also come forward so we can bring the perpetrators to justice.
"I would like to reassure the local community that we are carrying out a thorough investigation into the incident and as such residents might see officers patrolling the area. If you have any concerns or questions do not hesitate to approach one of our officers.
"The incident itself only lasted for several minutes and violence was not used against either victim however it is understandably upsetting for them and their relatives, given their young age, and officers are currently providing support to them."
Other people in the property were undisturbed by the kidnappers who wore face coverings and dark clothing.
Police are investigating the motive for the kidnapping which was said to have left the two young boys and their relatives upset.
The white van, possibly a Ford Transit, travelled with the boys from Hemming Way across Long Readings Lane and into Upper Lees Road before the pair were able to leave.
Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments