Five to face kidnap plot charges

Five people have been charged with hatching a plot to kidnap a man in central London.

The four men and one woman were arrested at various locations in the city on Tuesday afternoon after being monitored by police.

All five have been charged with conspiracy to kidnap and firearms and ammunition offences.

They appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court and were remanded in custody until 27 July.

Those charged are Simon Young, 38, of Welling in Kent; Gerard Booth, 46, of Rostrevor, County Down, Northern Ireland; Khan Coombs, 23, of no fixed abode; Patrick Holland, 68, and John McDonnell, 44, both of Russett Way, Lewisham, south-east London.

Their next hearing will be at Southwark Crown Court.