Teenager freed after ransom paid

The teenager was taken from an alleyway in north Belfast

A teenager who was abducted by a gang of men in north Belfast has been released after money - thought to be up to £4,000 - was paid.

The 18-year-old was taken from an alleyway in the Berwick Road area of Ardoyne at about 2000 GMT on Tuesday.

One of the gang used his mobile phone to contact a family member. They were told to go to their work, a bingo hall at Yorkgate, and get the money.

The man was freed at 2230 GMT after the money was left at a drop-off point.

It is understood he was not harmed during his ordeal.

Police are appealing for information.

They want to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Stratford or Eskdale areas of Ardoyne or at Harding Place in the New Lodge area where the drop-off was made.

SDLP assembly member Alban Maginness said those responsible "have no regard for the consequences of their actions".

"This was a shocking and disturbing incident and must have been an extremely traumatic experience for the man involved," he said.

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said explicit threats were made against the victim unless the money was produced.

"This was a young 18-year-old man who has been taken away and put through all sorts of hell to line the pockets of some person or persons," he said.