A GANG poured lighter fuel over a woman and threatened to set her ablaze after a five-hour kidnap ordeal.

The terrified victim suffered a suspected broken wrist as she was kicked and punched by the men, who accused her of stealing £2,000 from them.

They left, threatening to return later and kill her unless she came up with the cash.

But she went straight to the police and three men were later arrested.

The victim's torment started when the gang called at her flat in North Brighton, where their cash was being kept.

They accused her of stealing and assaulted her, demanding the money, but she repeatedly protested her innocence.

ighter fuel

They kidnapped her, bundled her into a car and toured Brighton, calling at addresses in search of the cash.

They stopped at a shop, bought masking tape and a can of lighter fuel, and drove the woman back to her home.

One man emptied the fuel can over her and round her home, threatening to set her and her home on fire.

They then attacked her again, kicking and punching her to the ground, before leaving.

The victim was later seen by a police surgeon and is undergoing treatment for cuts, bruises and a suspected wrist fracture.

ACID spokesman said: "This was a particularly violent incident which left the victim frightened and extremely distressed.

"She has had to move to a secret address because of what happened."

Three men in their twenties were due to appear before Brighton magistrates today.

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