It was reported to police a 17-year-old boy had been forced into a blue vehicle in Terminus Street, Harlow, at about 2.15pm on Tuesday.
Then, at about 4.20pm, officers were called by the ambulance service to reports of a man in his 30s with life-threatening injuries in Staple Tye Shopping Centre.
The shopping centre was closed and paramedics carried out vital treatment at the scene before the victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition.
Thankfully, his injuries are not longer believed to be life-threatening.
Police have carried out several enquiries since launching an attempted murder investigation and arrested a 19-year-old man from Harlow in Chatham, Kent, in the early hours today.
He was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and attempted murder, and remains in custody.
Officers believe the reported kidnapping and assault are linked.
Sergeant Simon Roissetter said: “Officers are working around the clock on this case to ensure no stone is left unturned.
“I’d like to reassure those in Harlow that we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public and that officers will be visible in the Staple Tye area throughout the day while we carry out further enquiries.
“If you see our officers and believe you have any information relating to these incidents – in particular if you have any details or dashcam footage relating to the blue vehicle – please get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 quoting incident number 717 of Tuesday, January 7.
Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about the online reporting services.
To make an anonymous report, contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.