DETECTIVES are hunting for a gang who battered a man then abducted him and drove him for more than 20 miles in the boot of a car.

The 34-year-old victim was assaulted in a upmarket residential street in East Kilbride at 11pm on Tuesday night.

Four masked men in dark clothing targeted him on Stewartfield Grove in a "violent and terrifying" attack.

They then chased their victim to nearby McLean Crescent where they forced him into the car boot before driving him more than 20 miles away to Slamannan near Falkirk.

The man - who is in hospital being treated for serious head, hand and foot injuries - was then dumped and the four attackers made off.

Police say the victim, described as being in a "serious but stable condition", has been unable to give detectives any information about the incident.

They have yet to establish a motive for the crime and have appealed for any witnesses to contact them.

Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson from Lanarkshire CID, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a particularly violent and terrifying attack in a residential area which was witnessed by members of the local community.

“The victim is still receiving treatment in hospital and as a result has been unable to assist officers with their enquiries so far.

"It is of utmost importance that we trace the men responsible as soon as possible and I am appealing directly for every person who may have witnessed what happened to contact police.

“I would like to reassure the community that we do believe this was a targeted attack and enquiries are continuing to establish a motive.

"I would encourage anyone who may be able to help us with this to come forward.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the Slamannan area and saw the car or anything suspicious to get in touch. No matter how insignificant you think your information might be, let us be the judge of that, because it could turn out to be vital to our investigation.

“There will be additional officers in the Stewartfield area so please go up and speak to them if you have any information or call the incident room at East Kilbride Police Station on 01355 564 013.

"Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence."