Greater Manchester Police confirmed Raja Naqqash Saeed was back in Britain after reports had suggested investigators in Pakistan had wanted him to stay in the country as a witness.

Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton of the Serious Crime Unit said: "Following his return from Pakistan, Greater Manchester Police are working closely with Sahil's father, his wife and the family to ensure the safe return of Sahil."

Mr Shenton stressed the investigation was a Pakistani led operation and added: "Both authorities are keen to ensure that Sahil is returned safe to his mother and father at the earliest opportunity."

There were no suspects in the UK and no arrests had been made, he said.

Five-year-old Sahil was grabbed by a gang armed with guns and grenades from his grandmother's house in the Punjab region last week.

The attackers struck as Sahil and his father were preparing to fly home and apparently subjected the family to a six-hour ordeal.

The kidnappers were said to be asking for £100,000 for Sahil's release, a sum his mother said there was "no way" her family could afford.

Akila Naqqash had earlier appealed to the kidnappers to let her son go.

She said: "I just want my son back. All is forgiven, I will forgive you. You may have children yourself. I forgive you."