Detectives investigating an attempted abduction of an RAF serviceman have released efit images of the two suspects.
The serviceman, in his late 20s, was jogging near RAF Marham in Norfolk on Wednesday when two men described as “Middle Eastern” in appearance jumped out of a dark-coloured car and tried to drag him into the vehicle at knifepoint.
The first suspect, who was fought off by the serviceman, is aged between 20 and 30 and about 6ft tall. He is described as of athletic but stocky build, with dark hair which was long on top and a well-groomed beard. He had a dark skin tone and wore casual clothing. Police believe he may have a facial injury as the serviceman headbutted him to fend him off.
The second suspect, who reportedly climbed out of the car wielding a 3in blade, is aged between 20 and 30 but younger than the first suspect and of a slimmer build. He was about 5ft 10in, clean shaven with short dark hair and wore a white T-shirt and dark shorts. He went to help his companion, allowing the serviceman to get away.
Det Supt Paul Durham, from the Norfolk and Suffolk major investigation team, who is leading the inquiry with support from officers at the Metropolitan police counter-terrorism command, said: “Today we have released efit images of the two suspects seen by the victim during the incident and I would urge anyone who recognises either man to come forward and call police immediately.”
He said it was possible that at least one other person was involved, possibly in the vehicle.
Durham said police continued to pursue several lines of inquiry as well as the incident being a potential terror attack. “We’re looking at the possibility of mistaken identity, a drugs debt or a domestic type thing,” he added.
There was no firm evidence to establish the motive for the incident, he added.
He said the efits were based on information provided by the victim, and CCTV footage was still being reviewed. “It’s very challenging,” he said. “It’s patchy at best.”
He said a large geographical area was involved, with multiple possible entrance and escape routes.
“We’ve not had that breakthrough that we need, hence the reason this appeal is so important,” he said.
Officers will be carrying out witness appeals in Marham on Wednesday, seeking information from people who were in the area a week ago.
