A WOMAN was seen being forced into a car and driven away near Bolton town centre.

Police have trawled CCTV footage of the incident in Spa Road on Thursday morning and say it has left them "concerned for her safety". 

The woman was seen walking from the Moor Lane end of Spa Road near Queens Park at about 10.10am.

A blue Honda Civic travelling alongside her pulled across the road and stopped next to the woman.

A man got out and walked round the car, opening the door for her to get in.

A struggle then ensued between the two, before it looks like the woman was forced into the car without her consent, before the man drove off.

Police have so far not traced the car or the woman. 

Detectives have now issued two still images of the car and a woman who appeared to cross the road to avoid the incident. 

She was wearing an orange dress, a full Burkha and was carrying a white bag.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden said: “At this stage, we do not know the circumstances as to why this car stopped, whether the man and woman were known to each other or why she would appear to have been forced into the car.

“However, given what we have seen on CCTV we are concerned for the safety and well-being of this woman and we are very keen for her to come forward and speak to us to let us know she is safe and well.

“I would also urge anyone who witnessed what happened or perhaps knows the location of this car to talk to us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5761 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.