Five charged after investigation into double murder

Daniel Shaw (left) and Johnny Robbins were murdered seven years ago

Four people have been charged with conspiracy to murder following a police investigation into the deaths of two men in Coventry seven years ago.

Johnny Robbins, aged 33, disappeared on 21 March 2018, and it is alleged he was tortured before being murdered. His body has never been found.

His death has been linked by detectives to the murder of Daniel Shaw, aged 28, who was found with gunshot injuries to his chest in Copland Place in the Tile Hill area, four days after Mr Robbins was last seen.

West Midlands Police said the charges only relate to the death of Mr Robbins - with a fifth person charged with kidnap and false imprisonment.

A spokesperson said detectives have so far not been able to gather sufficient evidence to charge anyone in relation to the death of Mr Shaw

The five people were arrested in an early morning police operation at addresses in Coventry and Warwickshire on Monday.

Sam Jones, 26, and Ben Whyley, 36, have both been charged with kidnap, false imprisonment, wounding with intent and conspiracy to murder.

Jordan Doswell, 29, and Junior Makosso, 28, have both been charged with false imprisonment, wounding with intent and conspiracy to murder.

Thomas Young, 29, has been charged with kidnap and false imprisonment.

All five will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Six other people who were arrested or voluntarily interviewed last year as part of the investigation will face no further action.

Senior Investigating Officer Jenny Birch said: "This is a really significant development in our investigation into the deaths of Johnny and Daniel.

"We have said from the outset that we were absolutely committed to establishing the truth behind what happened to them, and that has been true throughout the many years we have been investigating.

"We have spoken to Johnny and Daniel's families today to update them on the latest developments and will continue to support them.

"Seven years have passed, and allegiances change. We still need people with information about what happened to do the right thing - pick up the phone and tell us what you know."

Detectives are still appealing for information about the whereabouts of Ryan Hobday, from Coventry, who was 28 in 2018.

He is wanted in connection with the murders, although officers believe he may also have been murdered.