A 36-YEAR-OLD London man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with kidnap.

Iqhlaq Hussain, of Cold Harbour Lane, Camberwell Green, was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court charged with taking Aqib Baig by force and carrying him away against his will.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the allegation involved a number of people coming up from London and subjecting him to violence to try and get him to admit his part in an offence of arson.

Hussain will appear before the Crown Court on August 17.