A number of people have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a 16-year-old boy from his home in County Antrim last Monday night.
The Northern Ireland teenager was freed at 5 a.m. by the kidnappers who had threatened to kill him if a £100,000 ransom was not paid.
Up to 700 officers worked round the clock to ensure the 16-year-old youth, who was snatched from his home at Mallusk on the outskirts of Belfast five days ago, was released safely.
He has been treated in hospital for wounds inflicted during his ordeal. assistant chief constable for Greater Belfast, Alan McQuillan, insisted the victim could have suffered a much worst fate.
He said: "The people who were involved in this would have had the wherewithal to kill him."
Police believe the ransom sum was paid.