23-year-old woman kidnapped by her ex-partner; police looking for accused

A 23-year-old woman was abducted by her ex-partner, who was then chased by police at a high pace. The fugitive was eventually caught following a cross-border car chase and the woman was freed.

The victim was kidnapped by her ex while visiting her parents in Essen, Antwerp, as per Flemish local news reports when the assailant forced her into his car after threatening her with a knife.

The victim was able to warn the police, who pursued the man on the A58 in the Netherlands.

Belgian police, assisted by their Dutch counterparts, were able to stop the car by firing shots at around 13:00.

The woman was freed and she is not said to be injured.