Police are trying to trace a 'distressed' woman who was seen in the back of a car, shouting for help and struggling to get out on John Street in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, at 11.20am today.

Officers said she was pulled back into the green Toyota Avensis by one of two men in the car and it sped off.

Police arrived on the scene and followed the vehicle to Dewhirst Road, but lost sight of it during the chase. It was soon found abandoned and empty in an alleyway behind Bishop Street.

Detective Inspector Andrew Butterworth said: "We are still trying to ascertain what the circumstances of this incident are. We do not know if we are dealing with a potential kidnapping or perhaps a domestic incident.

"What is clear, though, is that the woman was in great distress."