Two Queensland men have been charged with extortion after allegedly bashing a driver and his passenger, stealing their car and demanding money for its return.
Police say several men pulled the driver and passenger from a ute after the pair stopped to talk to a man in a Rockhampton laneway between midnight and 1am (AEST) on Sunday.
The men assaulted the pair before stealing the vehicle, police say.
"It will be alleged that money was demanded for the return of the stolen vehicle," police said.
The driver, aged 30, called relatives who took him to hospital. He suffered facial injuries, including fractures, while his 22-year-old passenger had minor injuries.
Two men, aged 32 and 21, have been charged. The older man is also accused of having a knife.
They will face the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Monday.
Investigations are continuing, with police looking for the other men allegedly involved.
