TWO men have been charged after an alleged kidnapping in East Lancashire.

Officers were called to Pendle Hill on Sunday by a member of the public who said he had been flagged down by a man who claimed he had just escaped after being kidnapped.

Moeen Khan, 23, of Ontario Close, Blackburn, and Qahhar Hameed, 18, of Country Mews, Blackburn were arrested and charged with kidnap and robbery.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "Two men have been charged as part of an investigation into a kidnapping in East Lancashire. Officers were called to Pendle Hill on January 16 by a member of the public who said he had been flagged down by a man who said he had just escaped after being kidnapped.

"As part of their enquiries, officers arrested a 23-year-old and an 18-year-old man, both from Blackburn.

"Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, two men have been charged with kidnap and robbery and were due to appear before Blackburn magistrates this morning (January 17)."

They appeared before Blackburn magistrates this morning.