Queensland woman Jessica Hamill allegedly kidnapped, driven to bush

A 20-year-old woman has told of her ordeal after she was allegedly abducted from her home and driven into bushland.

JESSICA Hamill has told of her 16-hour ordeal as she was allegedly abducted, driven into bushland and retrieved by police in a large-scale manhunt in far north Queensland.

Detectives said the 20-year-old of Port Douglas had been safely recovered near the bottom of the Kuranda Range in Cairns.

Dozens of police officers, dogs and a helicopter last night scoured nearby suburbs and dense mountain jungle for her alleged abductor. A man was found by police by 9pm — about two hours after Ms Hamill was found — and assisting with the investigation.

Police alleged a man dumped his ­hostage and vehicle and fled on foot after a sighting was reported to police.

Ms Hamill, a property agent, was reportedly safe and well and last night spoke to detectives about her ordeal.

She became the focus of a public appeal after she was allegedly taken from her home and forced into a black Holden Commodore ­station wagon by a man about 2am on Wednesday.

As the drama unfolded, police told the public her family held “serious concerns”.

They launched a manhunt and public appeal for any sightings of the vehicle, man and young woman.

“It’s fair to say we are seriously concerned for her welfare,” Detective Acting Inspector Mick Gooiker said during the desperate hunt.

“We believe she is being held against her will.’’

Detectives were unwilling to publicly reveal the name of the male suspect or his relationship to the missing woman.

“The girl’s parents are extremely worried ... anyone in this situation would be horrified, it is their daughter,” Detective Acting Inspector Gooiker said during the search.

“Officers are following up numerous other angles in this case but the priority is to locate them and the car as soon as possible.”

Originally published as Queensland woman Jessica Hamill allegedly kidnapped, driven to bush