Three gunmen caught

POLICE have arrested three men over the abduction of a man and a woman from a Territory industrial shed.

But one other gunman involved in the attack was still on the run last night.

Two Palmerston men, aged 22 and 27, were arrested yesterday morning.

The third man, 27, of Darwin, was arrested later in the day. All three have been charged with deprivation of liberty, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, making a demand with menace, and causing grievous bodily harm.

Two people were abducted from a shed at Yarrawonga, 20km south of Darwin, about 10.30 on Thursday night.

One of the victims, a 27-year-old man, was savagely bashed during the abduction and was last night in a serious condition with severe head injuries at Royal Darwin Hospital.

The woman, 23, was beaten but not as seriously.

It is believed the bashings were the work of a notorious drug gang, with the gunmen known to police.

Police rescued the kidnap victims, whose abductors -- armed with hand guns and a rifle or a shotgun -- fled into bushland.

Police feared the gunmen had wanted to murder the couple.

After receiving a tip-off, police went to the area and followed a station wagon along Wallaby Holtz Rd and then on to the dirt Taylor Rd.

Major Organised Crime detectives were last night searching for the remaining gunman. On Friday, Superintendent Greg Dowd said he believed the victims knew their attackers.

He said the gunman was not considered a risk to the public.

Anyone with any information on the wanted man is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Sun, 29 May 2005
Source: Sunday Territorian (Australia)
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Author: Stephen Johnson
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News