Fourth arrest in Brighton kidnapping investigation

Just before 6pm on Sunday April 12 a man was bundled into a Vauxhall Astra with the registration number HN05 FPY in Princes Terrace, Brighton, after he got out of a taxi in the road.

The Vauxhall involved in the kidnapping was found parked in Benett Avenue, Hove, on Thursday afternoon.

It is currently being forensically examined but officers are still trying to trace exactly where it has been since Sunday evening.

Officers are continuing to piece together information about the attack and are carrying out inquiries across the county.

Yesterday, a 19-year-old Albanian man, who currently lives in Brighton, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

He is currently being questioned in custody.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Jason Taylor said: "The investigation is continuing to move rapidly and we are making good progress but we are still trying to find anyone who may have seen or has knowledge of the kidnapping or the Vauxhall Astra being driven in Brighton after the victim was attacked.

"If you know anything at all about what happened, please contact us."

CCTV in Queens Square, Brighton, shows the victim with another man close to the taxi rank in the road shortly after 5.30pm on Sunday 12 April.

The victim is the man with the beard and sunglasses in the CCTV. The second man may have seen the kidnapping happen. He is encouraged to come forward to speak to police as soon as possible.

Gazmend Mula, 29, of Temple Street, Brighton, has been charged with conspiracy to kidnap and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

Ilir Hasa, 23, of Denmark Villas, Hove, has been charged with conspiracy to kidnap and possession of an offensive weapon.

Both appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Saturday (18 April) and were remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on May 7.

Officers are still looking for at least two other men in connection with the kidnapping.