A MAN was forced into a car by four baseball bat-wielding men.

Four young men carrying baseball bats were seen to get out of a car and assault an Asian man in his late teens, before forcing him into the vehicle and driving off.

The incident happened on Wednesday shortly before 7.30pm in Coachman's Drive, Broadfield, Crawley.

The car was described as a dark purple or black hatchback, possibly a Ford Ka or Vauxhall Corsa, which drove off towards Broadfield football stadium.

Police later arrested five men and two women at an address in Tilgate, Crawley, on suspicion of kidnap and/or possessing drugs with intent to supply.

All are currently in police custody.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 101 quoting serial 1175 of 24/01.