Police were today investigating a possible abduction after a witness reported seeing a man bundled into the boot of a car.
It was believed three people were in the silver car, thought to be a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, seen in East Street, Shoreham, at about 9.45pm on Saturday.
Police said they did not have descriptions of those involved and were appealing for more witnesses.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony O'Donnell said the witness saw two people walk to the car from a cash machine while another got into the passenger seat.
A fourth climbed into the boot of the car and had help getting his feet and legs in.
He said: "It may be that this is nothing more sinister than a prank but we have got to treat it seriously to ensure a life is not at risk.
"We want to hear from anyone who either witnessed what happened or has any information.
"If this is just a prank we would ask someone to call the police urgently.
"Until we get further information this has to be treated as a potential abduction."
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