Jerusalem police launched a manhunt Sunday for three men, apparently of Arab nationality, traveling in a Volkswagen car whom a 14-year-old ultra-Orthodox youth said had tried to abduct him earlier in the day.

The teen said he had been walking along the street in Jerusalem's northern Sanhedria neighborhood, when the men grabbed him and forced him into the car.

Police understood from his testimony that the men were Palestinians.

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He added that the men attempted to leave the city but had to stop at a red light, at which point he managed to escape from the vehicle.

After jumping from the car, the teen said he called his mother who notified the police of his location. He was transferred to the Minorities Unit of the Jerusalem Police, where his statement was taken.

Police sources told Israel Radio the teen's account seemed truthful, and that a large number of forces had been deployed to track down the suspects.