Two men have been charged in connection to a Thornton Heath kidnapping.

Police were called at 2.26am on Monday by a woman who could see a man being forced into the back of a van by three men on Keston Road.

A second call was received from a woman soon after 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 attended the wife’s home and spoke to her; shortly after, they were able to speak to the victim while he was inside the van. He used his phone to track his location and relayed this back to officers.

The message was quickly passed onto a nearby unit who were able to locate the van, which failed to stop for police. A pursuit ensured, concluding once the van drove down a dead end.

The two occupants ran away; officers gave chase and Tasered both suspects before arresting them.

Today, officers charged Benjamin Oliveira, 36, of Brierley in New Addington 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 was also charged on Tuesday with kidnap, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and actual bodily harm.

Both men have been remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court later today.

Enquiries continue to locate a third suspect.