Norwegian mayor abducted by thieves in Brussels

A Norwegian mayor in Brussels for a conference was abducted late on Wednesday night in an attempted theft. Alf Erik Andersen, mayor of Mandal on the southern Norwegian coast, was forced into a vehicle and driven to a bank machine, where he eventually got away.

Andersen had gone for drinks with colleagues and was walking on a sidestreet near Boulevard Adolphe Max at about 2.00. A car stopped and, according to the prosecutor’s office, “multiple” suspects got out and forced the mayor into the car.

They then drove him to a bank machine, where he was to withdrawal money, but he was able to escape. The prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation. No suspects have yet been apprehended.

“We are examining footage from cameras in the area,” said a spokesperson. “We need to pinpoint exactly where it happened because the victim couldn’t be precise.”