21/04/2026
🚨 Detectives are appealing for information in connection with an ongoing investigation into a kidnap in .
The incident happened in the Lea Road area at around 10.30am on Thursday 9 April.
It was reported that the victim met with an unknown man to discuss the sale of high value items. Upon meeting the man, the victim was forced into a black Nissan Juke and driven around for several hours. He was later released from the vehicle, after being reportedly beaten and cut. He had injuries to his face.
Officers have secured charges against one man in connection with the investigation, and arrest another.
Zackquarn Ansell Mason, aged 22, and of Frenchs Close, Stanstead Abbotts, has been charged with one count of kidnap and one count of blackmail. He has been remanded into custody ahead of his next court date on Tuesday 12 May.
Another man, aged 22 from London, was also arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.
Detective Constable Alex Fairley from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s East CID said: “I am appealing for further witnesses and information in relation to this incident, as our enquiries remain ongoing. Any information from the public could be vital to the investigation.
“Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to contact us via the non emergency number 101, quoting Operation Quinidine.”
You can report information by:
💻 Filling out our online reporting form at herts.police.uk/report. Please quote Operation Quinidine.
🗣 Speaking to an operator in our Force Communications Room via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact.
📞 Calling our non-emergency telephone number 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).
☎ Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.