A Dutch couple wanted for multiple kidnappings and a shooting incident are still on the run after going to ground overnight in the Enschede area.

Antonio Marcos van der Ploeg (25) and Enise Merve Bircan (19) are described by police as ‘highly dangerous’ and are being sought by Dutch and German police in the border area between the two countries.

The pair kidnapped a family in Enschede on Monday evening and took the father with them in his car. He was later freed in the German border town of Ahaus, while Van der Ploeg and Bircan drove off in his blue Honda CRV.

Camp sites

The subsequent police search involving cars and helicopters was called off when night fell. According to a police spokesman, the couple may have gone to ground on one of the camp sites in the area.

The police have warned the general public not to approach the couple but to call the 112 emergency number if they spot them.

The search was resumed at first light on Tuesday morning.

The couple are also suspected of being involved in a string of other robberies and attacks over the past few days.