Detectives have launched a kidnap probe after a distressed man was seen being bundled into the back of a car.

Witnesses saw a car pull onto the pavement, close to the Craven Heifer pub, at the junction of Manchester Road and Smiddles Road, Bradford.

A man was shoved into the back of the car which then drove off in the direction of Little Horton.

Police traced the car and arrested three people from an address nearby on firearms offences, after a gun was discovered at the property. A fourth man later handed himself in.

Two of the suspects are being held on suspicion of kidnap.

The alleged victim has not been traced. Nobody has been reported missing and detectives are urging the person who was put in the back of the car to contact them.

The incident took place at about 9.10pm on Sunday and was witnessed by drinkers in the pub, which police emphasised had nothing to do with the incident.

One witness said: “I saw a car on the pavement outside the pub. Its headlights were on and then it drove off, still on the pavement. I didn’t see anyone being pushed into the car, but other people said they saw that happen.”

Police said the victim was walking on the footpath close to the pub, when two men got out of a silver Peugeot 207 and push him into the vehicle. The man is described as Asian and in his late 20s to early 30s. He was wearing dark trousers and a light-coloured top.

The car was later found dumped in Southmere Drive, Great Horton.

Three men, aged 25, 28 and 62, and a 59-year-old woman, all from the Bradford area, were arrested at a house nearby on suspicion of firearms offences. A gun was recovered.

The 25-year-old man and the 28-year-old man were also arrested on suspicion of kidnap. All remain in custody.

Det Insp Neil Benstead, of Bradford CID, said: “We are appealing for this man, or anyone who knows him, to come forward, and for anyone with any information to contact us on 101.”