Two men in court over Thornton Heath kidnap case

26 November 2019, 07:03

Police are seeking a third suspect
Police are seeking a third suspect. Picture: PA
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Two men have been charged in connection with the kidnap of a man, aged in his 40s, in Thornton Heath, south London in the early hours of Monday.

Benjamin Oliveira, 36, of Brierley, New Addington has been charged with kidnap, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, actual bodily harm and dangerous driving.

Aubin Wadman, 22, of Lansdowne Road, Croydon has been charged with kidnap, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and actual bodily harm.

The alleged victim was walking home from work when he claims he was bundled into the back of a van.

Scotland Yard said they were called at around 02:30am on Monday November 26 by a woman who said she saw a man being forced into the back of a van by three men on Keston Road.

Police then received a second call from a woman who reported her husband being kidnapped. She said he had phoned her from inside the van and asked her to call the police immediately.

Officers were able to speak to the man in the back of the van and his phone was used to track his location.

The location was passed to nearby officers who chased the van before the suspects fled on foot. Police officers caught up and tasered two suspects.

Both men are remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Police are still trying to find a third suspect.