INVESTIGATORS have released CCTV footage as part of an investigation into a kidnapping at Rutherford. The man was allegedly forced into a car and taken to a secret location where he was assaulted so badly he suffered facial injuries.
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On Wednesday February 28, Hunter Valley police found a 38-year-old man in Greta. He was suffering from facial injuries and needed medical assistance.
He was treated by paramedics before being taken to Maitland Hospital and has since been released.
Initial inquiries led police to believe the man was forced into a black Holden sedan in the early hours of Tuesday February 27 in the Maitland area and was taken to an unknown location where he was assaulted.
Police believe the man may have also been forced into a second black Holden sedan in the East Maitland area later that same day.
The case was transferred to officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, who established Strike Force Halule.
Port Stephens-Hunter PD crime manager, Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart addressed the media on Tuesday about the investigation.
When asked about how police linked the injured man in Greta to the cars in Maitland he said "I can't go into the details of how, this is still subject to the investigation".
He also could not reveal the current condition of the injured man, or comment on whether criminal groups had been linked to the incident.
"At this point in time I really can't go into any other details of the investigation as it's still under investigation."
Police have released CCTV footage of the two vehicles and the three men who may be able to assist with the investigation.
The first man is depicted in the footage as being of Caucasian appearance, 170-175cm tall, of solid build, and aged in his 30s. He is seen wearing a white t-shirt, white shoes, black shorts and a light-coloured baseball cap.
The second man depicted as being of Caucasian appearance, 175cm-180cm tall, of medium build, and aged in his 30s. He is seen wearing a black jumper with white stripes, black pants, black shoes and a black baseball cap.
The third man depicted as being of Caucasian appearance, 175cm-180cm tall, of large build, and aged in his 30s. He is seen wearing a navy-coloured t-shirt, light-coloured shorts, black shoes and a baseball cap.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Port Stephens-Hunter police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Jessica Brown
Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
Chloe Coleman
Chloe Coleman is a journalist covering news in the Lower Hunter. Contact her on chloe.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Chloe Coleman is a journalist covering news in the Lower Hunter. Contact her on chloe.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
