Concern is growing across Liverpool after a man was chased into a cafe by masked gunmen.
Armed police were called to Blanche's cafe on Regent Road in Bootle on Tuesday to reports of the incident at around midday.
Witnesses said that a young man was fleeing two others when he burst into the cafe shouting Terror at breakfast cafe as man screaming "save me" is 'kidnapped' by masked gunmen .
Diners then told the ECHO that the man then barricaded the door shut but was unable to keep the gunmen out and they entered the restaurant armed with handguns before forcing him outside and into a waiting BMW.
One customer said: "One of the masked men put his gun down on a table during the struggle for a moment so he could grab hold of the lad.
"The victim was screaming 'save me save me' and wanted someone to call the police.
"When they had a firm grip on him they dragged him out of the cafe and threw him in the back of BMW. They then roared off.
"The victim was only young - I think he was early 20s."
On Wednesday, people across Liverpool expressed their concern over the incident and appealed for any update over the young man involved.
Terror at breakfast cafe as man screaming "save me" is 'kidnapped' by masked gunmen
Many took to social media to state how frightening the whole ordeal was to hear about.
On Facebook, one woman said: "Hope he's not been hurt, he must be so terrified.
"I need to know if this young lad is OK."
Another user said: "This is someone's son, they must be frantic. With guns being involved it's hard not to be concerned."
June Ashley also said: "Poor lad, someone's son, brother, boyfriend. Disgusting.
"Ashamed of these so called people. Hope he is OK."
Gemma Moss added: "Omg that poor lad, wonder what on earth has happened to him.. Absolutely shocking this."
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One witness praised armed police for their quick response and said it felt like they had arrived within seconds.
He said: "A few minutes armed police arrived. I remember the girls were still serving breakfasts up as the place filled with armed police.
"One of the armed officers showed me his side arm and asked me if the lads had the same type of gun. I said yes.
"The police told me the lad had been spotted nearby and was then chased into the cafe.
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"I think we would have tried to help him, but the guns put us off. I felt sick after and was unable to eat my food."
Merseyside Police have been asked to confirm whether the incident is being treated as a kidnapping.
On Tuesday, a statement from the force said: "Police were called to Blanche’s Cafe on Regent Road at 12.10pm today, Tuesday 26th March, to reports a male had been chased into the café by a second male. It is believed the second male was carrying a firearm.
"Both males left the cafe a short time later. Nobody in the café was injured.
"Enquiries are ongoing to identify the two males involved and establish the full circumstances of the incident.
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"We would particularly like to speak to any lorry drivers in the area who may have witnessed this incident and hold dashcam footage."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
