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speakup

MONTREAL - Quebec provincial police painted a gripping scene Saturday of an intruder storming into the home of a political aide to a prominent provincial cabinet minister and dragging her away while her young children slept.

They are seeking the public's help in finding Nancy Michaud, an aide to Natural Resources Minister Claude Bechard, who disappeared in what has been described as a violent kidnapping.

They believe the home invasion and ensuing skirmish unfolded just after midnight Thursday night at Michaud's two-storey house in the small town of Riviere-Ouelle.

"There are signs of violence inside the residence," police spokesman Claude Ross said Saturday. "There was an altercation.

"She was then forced outside and into a vehicle, which was parked in back (of her house)."

Ross said a disguised suspect withdrew cash from two bank accounts belonging to Michaud and her husband at a nearby automated teller around 1 a.m. Friday.

He said nobody has heard from Michaud, 37, and police fear for her life.

On Saturday, police released security-camera footage from the bank, hoping someone will be able to identify the suspect.

The video shows a slim person wearing a ski mask, black gloves and dark clothing making a transaction at the automated teller.

"We have no information about the individual after that," said Ross. "They took off."

Police are asking the public to pay special attention to the way the suspect, who is about five-foot-five, moves and walks. They could only describe the getaway car as "small."

Michaud's husband reported her missing when he came home around 2 a.m. to find their children, aged six years and 18 months, alone asleep. He had been working late.

Bechard also called on the public around Riviere-Ouelle, about 140 kilometres northeast of Quebec City, to provide information to police.

"All efforts are being made to try and find Nancy as quick as possible," Bechard told a group of reporters gathered in front of Michaud's home Saturday. "It's a difficult time for everybody."

The high-profile minister, who represents the region in Quebec's legislature, said he had met with the family.

"This is certainly a tragic event," Bechard said. "The whole community of Riviere-Ouelle, and the riding, are concerned.

"My thoughts and my support are with the family."

Police have said they have no evidence her disappearance is linked to her job.

More than 50 officers were called to the town of 1,200, including investigators from nearby Rimouski and Quebec City.

Ross said sniffer dogs completed their duties Friday, but searchers in a police helicopter continue to scan the area.

Meanwhile, Riviere-Ouelle Mayor Roger Richard said Michaud grew up in the tight-knit community and is a longtime volunteer.

He said townsfolk are asking, "Why her?"

"We are really in shock," said Richard, who noted most residents don't even lock their doors. "She's a child of our village and we've known her since she was very young.

"She's a very nice woman."

Ironically, two of Richard's daughters also work as political aides in the province.

One is an employee of Premier Jean Charest, the other works for Health Minister Philippe Couillard.

"When you're the father of a family, you are always worried," Richard said. "We have to reassure people.

"We are going on the belief that Nancy is alive and she needs us."