Guernsey women arrested in Portugal over 'prank' kidnapping

TWO Guernsey women have been arrested in Portugal after taking part in a mock abduction for a 40^th birthday celebration.

Lisbon police said that three men and one woman – all Portuguese nationals – were also arrested at 3.45pm on Sunday in connection with the incident.

The two women were on holiday in the Portuguese capital with nine companions and it is understood that the friends had organised the simulated hijacking.

The details of the people involved have not been released, but BBC news had reported that the women – aged 40 and 41 – were from Guernsey.

At 3.30pm on Sunday a white van stopped in the Restauradores Square in Lisbon city centre and two men – one hooded – grabbed the women and bundled them into the vehicle. The driver then drove off. A police spokesman said the public called the emergency services.