Top Greek industrialist kidnapped

Mr Mylonas was abducted just outside his home

Police in Greece have launched a massive search for a leading industrialist, George Mylonas, who was abducted by gunmen on Monday night.

Roadblocks have been set up and all vehicles crossing Greece's northern borders are being searched after he was seized at his home in Thessaloniki.

The motive for the businessman's kidnapping remains unclear.

He owns big aluminium company Alumil and is chairman of the federation of industries in northern Greece.

Three men threw Mr Mylonas, 49, in the back of his own car, and drove off, having forced his wife out of the vehicle, police said.

Police later found the car abandoned a few kilometres away.

"An eyewitness saw Mr Mylonas outside his home being taken by three armed assailants carrying automatic weapons at about 2250 (1950 GMT)," a police official told Reuters news agency.

As the motive for the kidnap remains unclear, anti-terrorist police have joined in the search.

Trading of Alumil shares was suspended on Tuesday on the Athens stock exchange