Two teenagers were reportedly abducted by several masked individuals, who then beat them, stripped them naked and forced them to dig their own graves

17:57, Thu, Jan 8, 2026 Updated: 18:06, Thu, Jan 8, 2026

Path through Delamere forest, Cheshire

Path through Delamere forest, Cheshire (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Two teenagers were allegedly abducted, stabbed and forced to dig their own graves in a forest in a horrifying incident that police believe may be connected to drug-related disputes. The victims, aged 14 and 16, were taken on the night of Friday, January 2, from a hotel car park in Carquefou, a suburb just outside Nantes, by several masked individuals. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the teenagers being bundled into a car.

Police arrived swiftly but found no trace of the teenagers or the vehicle. At around 3:00 am, a resident of La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, roughly ten kilometres from Carquefou, discovered the two boys on his doorstep. Both were visibly injured, with bloodied faces, slashed fingers and signs of severe shock. One of the teenagers had suffered a stab wound to his thigh. The resident immediately alerted the authorities and administered first aid.

The day's biggest headlines in UK and World news Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

The victims were then transported to Nantes University Hospital for medical attention. According to statements given to investigators, the teenagers were taken to a nearby forest, locked in the boot of a car and subjected to brutal physical abuse.

The attackers stripped them naked, assaulted them and threatened them with death. A gun was reportedly held to their heads, and they were forced to dig a hole with their bare hands that could have been used as their graves.

Police later found the location described by the victims, discovering the teenagers’ discarded clothing and the dug-out hole.

The Nantes public prosecutor, Antoine Leroy, has confirmed that an investigation into kidnapping, false imprisonment and acts of violence is under way.

Detectives from the local criminal investigation department suspect the attack may be linked to a score-settling within the drug trade, possibly arising from territorial disputes between traffickers.

The younger teenager, originally from Angers, had reportedly been evading authorities for several months prior to the abduction. Both victims have given statements to police, although they were said to be reluctant to discuss the incident in detail.

The inquiry is currently being overseen by the gendarmes of the Nantes research brigade. Prosecutor Antoine Leroy said progress is being made in identifying those responsible for the violent kidnapping, but no arrests have been announced at this stage.