Police rescue woman held hostage by fleeing attacker

Officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) have rescued a woman held hostage by an armed assailant who was attempting to flee from authorities.

The incident occurred after sundown on Thursday.

MPS revealed that they received reports of a man holding a woman hostage and assaulting her inside a residence in the congested capital, Malé City.

According to the authorities, the man led her out onto the street and continued to assault her while holding a knife against her neck and threatening to kill her if authorities intervened.

He then pulls her back inside the house and continues to assault her.

A video circulating on social media shows the man leading the woman outside again at knifepoint, instructing her to get on a motorcycle.

The man is seen threatening police officers again, before dragging her back inside and beating her. Then, the man and hostage come out and get on the motorcycle, where the woman is forced to ride off, with a knife pressed firmly against her throat.

The woman halts the motorcycle at the intersection, where officers are seen trying to make way by moving other vehicles and members of the public gathered at the scene, out of the way.

One of two officers on a motorcycle that approaches them from behind, is seen using force on the kidnapper in an attempt to rescue the woman. After being hit, the man drops to the ground, taking the woman with him. Chaos breaks out after this and officers are seen trying to gain control of the situation as a bystander helps the victim up.

The kidnapper attained injuries in the scuffle and was treated at ADK Hospital. MPS cited hospital officials having revealed that further tests were required to determine the extent of his injuries.

The victim also attained injuries in the scuffle and was treated at IGMH. Authorities have since revealed that she is safe and stable.

Further investigations are currently underway.