POLICE were last night hoping that a call from a member of the public could provide a crucial breakthrough in the hunt for a gang who kidnapped a businessman.

Detectives said a sighting of the white Ford Transit van used to snatch Tony Pattison from a seafront car park in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, could be significant.

The sighting, thought to be near the kidnap scene, is one of several reported to police by possible witnesses.

Detective Superintendent Brian Dunn, who is heading the inquiry, said: "Any sightings of this van could prove to be extremely important to our inquiry, and we want to hear from people who may have seen it.

"We are encouraged by one particular call which could lead to vital information for us in relation to events at Seaton Carew."

Earlier, police had released a 42-year-old Hartlepool man on bail pending inquiries.

The man was arrested in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, as a result of an undercover operation by police.

Ransom money, which had handed over to the kidnappers, has also been recovered.

Mr Pattison, 45, who previously ran a newsagents in Hartlepool and works in the building trade in the town, was taken from his Vauxhall Vectra car at 2.20pm on Monday.

He was tied up before he was kept overnight in an unknown building and was driven around for much of Tuesday.

He was freed at about 9.30pm from a shed along a dirt track signposted to Woodside Farm, near the Samsung factory at Wynyard, Teesside.

He told police that at least three men, possibly with Wearside accents, were involved. No descriptions of the suspects have yet been issued.

Det Supt Dunn said the white transit van, registration Y599 GFT, could have been used to follow Mr Pattison, who was seen in Dalton Street, Hartlepool, at about 2pm on Monday before he was snatched.

He said: "We need the public's help. We are continuing to talk to Mr Pattison, but he was so badly traumatised it will take some time."

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 303187 or 301783 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.