Teenager charged with attempted murder and kidnap

Staple Tye Shopping Centre was closed when a man in his 30s was found with life-threatening injuries

A 16-year-old has appeared in court charged with offences including attempted murder and kidnap.

Essex Police said it received reports at about 14:15 GMT on 7 January that a 17-year-old boy had been forced into a vehicle in Terminus Street, Harlow.

At 16:20 GMT on the same day, the ambulance service found a man in his 30s with life-threatening injuries at Staple Tye Shopping Centre.

On Monday, the 16-year-old from Harlow was arrested and charged with attempted murder, kidnap, possession of a bladed article and assault by beating.

He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday.

Police believe the two incidents are connected. The victim found at the shopping centre remains in hospital.

A 19-year-old man from Harlow arrested on suspicion of kidnap and attempted murder has also been released on police bail until 12 March.

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old from North Weald, arrested on suspicion of kidnap, and a 17-year-old, also from North Weald, arrested on suspicion of kidnap and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, have been bailed until 1 April.