Several arrests have been made after a woman reported being kidnapped last week.

A kidnap investigation was launched after a woman told Sussex Police she was asked for directions at around 2am on Monday, August 5, by a man at the junction of Selborne Road and Church Road in Hove.

She described how the man got out of the car, grabbed her and pulled her into the vehicle.

After a short distance, the woman managed to escape from the vehicle in First Avenue and called for help.

She was taken to hospital and supported by specially trained officers.

The man was reported to be clad in a black balaclava and wearing a black tracksuit and black baseball cap, driving a dark-coloured Mini.

Police investigating in HovePolice investigating in Hove (Image: Matthew Ebers)

A vehicle suspected of being involved in the kidnap was seized that evening.

On Sunday, August 11, a 21-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of kidnap, theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle and making off without payment.

That same evening, two further men, a 21-year-old from Brighton and 29-year-old from Hove, were arrested on suspicion of kidnap, theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle and making off without payment.

(Image: Matthew Ebers) All three men remain in custody at this time.

Superintendent Petra Lazar said: "We have arrested two further men in connection with this investigation.

"We are not seeking any further suspects at this time, though we are still encouraging those with information or any relevant CCTV footage of the incident that could assist this investigation to contact us.

“We would like to thank the community for their support."

People can make a report online, or by calling 101 quoting Operation Grangeway.

Alternatively, you can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online.