Woman escapes abduction

The incident happened on the Glen Road in Belfast

Two men have tried to force a woman into their car in Belfast.

The attack happened while the 20-year-old was waiting for a taxi on the Glen Road, in the west of the city, at about 0200 BST on Monday.

The men pulled up alongside her and tried to abduct her, but she managed to struggle free. The woman suffered serious bruising to her upper body.

The men stole her handbag, and then got back into their car and drove off towards the city centre.

The police said there were two other men in the navy car, which had smashed windows.

Police are warning women in the area to be vigilant.

They have appealed to taxi drivers who were in the area and may be able to help them to come forward.

SDLP assembly member for Lagan Valley Patricia Lewsley has voiced her shock at the attempted abduction.

"This is the latest in a long line of attempted abductions in this part of the world," she said.

"This is a deeply worrying trend that must be stopped in its tracks."