A man was threatened with a knife before being bundled into a car and driven off.
The 45-year-old Chinese man was going into a common stair in Royston Main Crescent, Edinburgh at 5.30pm on Tuesday when three men went up to him.
The assaulted him before pulling out a knife and emptying his pockets. The man was then forced into the back of a black car which drove off towards Crewe Road North.
The car did not travel far before stopping at a walkway running between Morrisons and Ainslie Park Leisure Centre and the man was thrown out. He then tried to get help from passing cyclists before he was dragged back into the car.
The kidnappers then dropped him off back at Royston Mains Crescent before driving off.
The three men were white, in their 30s, of average height and wearing scarves over their faces.
Detective Sergeant Andy Macmillan said: “While the victim was not seriously injured, this was a terrifying ordeal for him to endure and he was left understandably distressed.
“Police are carrying out local enquiries to see if anyone remembers seeing anything suspicious in the area, or can help us identify the men responsible.
“We are particularly keen to speak to the cyclists who rode past the man after he exited the car. These individuals are asked to contact police immediately.
“Similarly, anyone with other information relevant to this investigation is also asked to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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