Charles Seiga, a 58-year-old former restaurateur from Liverpool, was scalded and beaten before being released for a £17,000 ransom.

A gun was held to his head and he was forced to make calls to his brother demanding money.

The BBC's Lucy Atherton: "Detectives are still looking for others in connection with the kidnapping"

Armed police later arrested two men in the Wavertree area of Liverpool.

Police had imposed a news blackout after the kidnapping because of what they said were genuine fears for Mr Seiga's life.

Ordeal that lasted 30 hours

Mr Seiga was abducted by armed men as he left his home in the West Derby area of the city on Friday morning.

He was freed on Saturday night after an ordeal lasting more than 30 hours. After he was released, Mr Seiga took a taxi to the home of his brother, Joe, who had paid the ransom in two instalments.

Mr Seiga was then taken to hospital for burns to his arms, buttocks and the legs. His face was cut and bruised and his wrists were injured where they had been bound.

"He took quite a beating and his burns are many and plentiful," said Superintendent Stephen Love of Merseyside Police. "He has been through quite an ordeal."

Police have not yet recovered the ransom money but they said their priority throughout the operation had been to secure Mr Seiga's safe release and the arrest of his abductors. They are still looking for other people in connection with the kidnapping.

Last month Mr Seiga was acquitted of the murder of 36-year-old George Bromley, a security consultant involved in running teams of nightclub doormen.