Seven held in kidnap plot inquiry

Seven men have been arrested in Birmingham following a series of raids in connection with an alleged kidnap plot and witness intimidation.

West Midlands Police said 14 raids were carried out at homes and businesses in the Moseley, Sparkhill and Balsall Heath areas earlier.

The men arrested were all aged between 33 and 51 and were being questioned at police stations across the city.

A total of 150 officers took part in the dawn raids.

The arrested men were all held on suspicion of being involved in a conspiracy to kidnap or witness intimidation.