A woman was pushed into a car and assaulted after being kidnapped by a Suffolk teacher and one of his friends, it has been alleged.

Emma Taylor was allegedly driven to a church after meeting her partner Shaun Spencer, who worked at Suffolk New College, and his friend Peter Ward in a car park outside her home in July last year, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

After allegedly being pushed into a blue BMW driven by Ward, Miss Taylor was driven to Barking Tye church and was allegedly restrained by the two men when she tried to escape, said Peter Clark, prosecuting.

During her ordeal Miss Taylor was allegedly threatened with a penknife by Ward.

She allegedly managed to escape when the car ran out of petrol near Branford and she flagged down a passing motorist before calling the police.

Miss Taylor allegedly suffered swelling to her right cheek and eye as a result of the incident.

Spencer, 37, of Stowmarket Road, Needham Market, and Ward, 35, of Quinton Road, Needham Market, have denied kidnapping Miss Taylor on July 22 and assaulting her by beating.

During police interviews the men denied kidnapping Miss Taylor and using any violence towards her

The trial continues.