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UK bosses held captive in France French workers release UK bosses
(about 3 hours later)
Workers are holding three British bosses captive at an adhesives factory in France over plans to close the site. Three British bosses held hostage by workers at an adhesives factory in France over plans to close the site have been released.
The executives and a local manager were taken hostage at British firm Scapa on Tuesday night, police said. The executives and a local manager, who were captured at British firm Scapa on Tuesday night, have now left the site.
European finance director Ian Bushell said unions representing staff carried out the "non-aggressive" action - the latest of several similar incidents. European finance director Ian Bushell said unions representing staff carried out the "non-aggressive" action.
A truck was blocking the entrance to the plant in Bellegarde sur Valserine in the south east, Mr Bushell added. A truck was used to block the plant's entrance in Bellegarde sur Valserine in the south east, Mr Bushell added.
'Totally unacceptable''Totally unacceptable'
It is thought around 100 employees face redundancy at the firm, which manufactures adhesive films and tapes for the car and construction industries. It is thought about 100 employees face redundancy at the firm, which manufactures adhesive films and tapes for the car and construction industries.
Speaking from the UK, Mr Bushell confirmed police were at the site and that he expected negotiations to resume on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, French president Nicolas Sarkozy has vowed to end the practice of "boss-napping" after militant workers targeted four factories in the past month.Meanwhile, French president Nicolas Sarkozy has vowed to end the practice of "boss-napping" after militant workers targeted four factories in the past month.
He said the practice was "totally unacceptable" and warned people found guilty would face prosecution.He said the practice was "totally unacceptable" and warned people found guilty would face prosecution.
The presidents of three universities have also been taken hostage by students protesting at education cuts.The presidents of three universities have also been taken hostage by students protesting at education cuts.
Mr Sarkozy said: "What is this business of sequestering people? We have the rule of law, and I will not let matters go on like that.Mr Sarkozy said: "What is this business of sequestering people? We have the rule of law, and I will not let matters go on like that.
"We can understand that people are angry, but this anger will subside with answers and results, not by aggravating matters with actions that are contrary to the law."We can understand that people are angry, but this anger will subside with answers and results, not by aggravating matters with actions that are contrary to the law.
"I am insisting the police and courts arrest and prosecute those workers who take the law into their own hands in this way.""I am insisting the police and courts arrest and prosecute those workers who take the law into their own hands in this way."