POLICE are probing a suspected abduction after a woman was bundled into a car by a man on a busy street.

Police today said they were not sure whether the incident, witnessed by a 12-year-old girl, was an abduction or a domestic incident which had got out of hand.

The incident happened in Birtwistle Avenue, Colne at 6.40pm yesterday when a silver or white five-door car screeched to a halt.

A man jumped out, threw the woman over his shoulder, pushed her into the car then drove off towards Harrison Drive.

Police carried out house to house inquiries but no more witnesses came forward.

No cars matching the description have been found abandoned and polices say they have not received reports of any missing persons.

The woman was white, with brown hair and and aged between 35 and 40.

Inspector Neil Wilkinson appealed for anyone with information about the incident or those involved to contact police.

He said: "A witness has seen a vehicle, some kind of white or silver five-door car, screech to a halt.

"A male has got out of the car, grabbed a female and has put her over his shoulder, put her in the car and the car has driven off.

"We have spoken to the girl several times and we are happy something happened.

"Whether it was something or nothing like a minor domestic dispute we are not sure.

"We are appealing for anyone involved or obviously who may have seen the incident to contact the police."

Anyone with information should contact police on 01282 425001.