CCTV images of a kidnap suspect have been released by police.

Naeem Mohammed, 19, and his friend Salim Mulla, 20, were handcuffed and bundled into a Vauxhall Meriva by a gang in Sandwich Close, Blackburn, on Friday, December 2.

The pals were then driven around Blackburn, Haslingden and Rochdale for two hours while being attacked with a sledgehammer.

At around 11pm, the two men were released from the Meriva near to Shadsworth Leisure Centre on Shadsworth Road, at the junction with Old Bank Lane.

Police are now appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

Detectives, who have examined hours of footage and made extensive door-to-door inquiries, have released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the kidnap.

DS Simon Upton said: “I believe the people responsible could be in the Manchester area or even East Lancashire and I would ask the public to have a look at these pictures and if they recognise the man in the images then they should contact us.

“We are still working closely with the victims who are recovering from their injuries and ordeal.”

The victims told the Lancashire Telegraph that the gang warned them if they spoke to anyone they would be killed and their houses would be burned down.

A 19-year-old Rochdale man has been charged with two counts of false imprisonment.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and quote log LC-20120105-0824 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.