The owner of a Hampshire gym that was the target of an arson attack has been charged with kidnap.

Danny Harkins, the owner of Samsons Gym in Eastleigh, has been charged with assault after an alleged incident in which a man was abducted in Eastleigh.

Another two men appeared with Harkins, also charged with kidnap and assault at Southampton Magistrates' Court yesterday. 

Harkins, 36,  who is pictured far left above, has been remanded in custody along with Jamie Kingstone, 40, a self-employed carpenter, of Paynes Road, Shirley, and Leroy King, 34, a block paver, of Dutton Lane, Eastleigh.

All three have been remanded in custody ro reappear at Southampton Crown Court on February 24.

The court heard that police are still looking for three further men believed to have taken part in the alleged kidnapping.

The case comes three weeks after a fire broke out in Harkins' gym in Chamberlayne Road, on January 7. 

Three fire engines were called to Samsons Gym just after midnight.

Police have since launched a major investigation, suspecting the blaze which started in the reception area, was caused by an arson attack. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue described the fire as "small", although the reception area was left blackened and suffered extreme smoke damage, with the doors and ceiling blackened by the blaze. 

Speaking previously to the Echo, Harkin, of Sherborne Road, Southampton, said the fire had caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, but fortunately it had not spread to the expensive equipment. 

The father-of-two, who also owns The Candy Room Sweet Shop in Eastleigh and a coffee shop, said at the time: "Thanks to a lot of really good friends who have mucked in to help tidy up the mess.

"What makes me sad is I've worked hard all my life to build a better future for my children and then someone tries to take that away from them.

"I'm a hard working 36-year-old businessman and family man and I'm a little old fashioned.

"If I have upset somebody you would hope they might talk to me about it face-to-face.

"I think what has been done is disgusting and cowardly." 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "I can confirm that we were called to a fire at Samson’s Gym by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. We are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting crime reference 44170007240."