SHOCKED staff at a Blackburn takeaway today told how they thought a man was joking when he wandered shakily into their business claiming to have been kidnapped.

Pratim Soni was bundled into the boot of his own car at knifepoint on Boxing Day.

The Preston jeweller was then driven to Blackburn before being threatened into handing over the keys and alarm code to his business, P and H Jewellers.

After the kidnapping he was left by the gang in an alleyway between Lambeth Street and Lincoln Road in Audley.

Mr Soni managed to find his way to the Fareed takeaway in Audley Range, where he was helped by the staff who drove him to the police station.

One worker, who asked not to be named, said: "He was shaking, and it was cold outside as well. He just walked into the shop and I assumed he was shaking through the cold.

"It never occurred to me that it actually happened. I thought it might just be a prank or something.

"Then I had the CID come in and they said it was true."

Police investigating the kidnapping in Preston have described the three masked raiders - who they believe could come from Blackburn - as extremely dangerous.

After they kidnapped Mr Soni, 31, they drove him in his own car to an unknown location, where he was tied up and forced to reveal details of his shop.

Then he was left while they emptied the premises of £80,000 of Asian jewellery, before they returned and dumped him in Blackburn.

Mr Soni made his way to the takeaway and asked for help.

The worker said: "I had a delivery at Whitebirk Road, so I said I would drop him off at the police station. He got in my car and I dropped him off.

"The first thought I had was who would kidnap him and drop him off in Blackburn? The only help I could give him was to drop him off at the police station."

Preston police are still investigating the crime. The kidnappers were believed to be between 20 and 30 years old, and possibly Asian.

Anyone who can help should call the police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.