An Edgware couple narrowly escaped with their lives after they were kidnapped at an Indian airport.

Kanapathipillai Thavarajah, 59, and his wife Salajah, 55, who live in The Hyde, were kidnapped by a gang of men who lured them into the back of a jeep as they arrived at Chennai Airport last Wednesday.

The gang then called the couple's daughter Dharsini and demanded a £300,000 ransom for her parents' release.

The couple, who had been at a wedding in Colombo, were held for four days and threatened with knives while Chennai Police worked with the Metropolitan Police to find them.

Police managed to trace the jeep containing the kidnapped couple to a remote village 100 miles from Chennai. They rescued the couple and arrested eight kidnappers.

A spokesman from Scotland Yard said: “The Metropolitan Police Service has been working with Indian authorities to secure the release of two British nationals kidnapped in Chennai since May 29. The investigation was led by the Chennai police with the MPS offering support to the family in London.

“The couple have now been rescued and are safe and well. This remains an ongoing investigation in both countries.”

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are aware of the abduction of two British nationals.
“They are now safe and well. We are offering consular assistance to the victims and their families.

“This incident remains a matter for the local police.”