TWO men have been charged in connection with the hijacking of a brandy lorry near Winchester in November 2005.

Police yesterday arrested eight people in Liverpool as part of enquiries into the kidnap of a French lorry driver and his consignment of brandy at Sutton Scotney.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary's Serious and Organised Crime Unit travelled to Liverpool yesterday and arrested five men.

Three further men, who were arrested in the Liverpool area in December 2005 returned on bail yesterday.

All eight were taken into custody at police stations in Hampshire. Six remain in custody and will continue to be interviewed today.

Two have been charged. They are: Gary Ford, 40, of Scythe End, Old Roam, Liverpool, has been charged with conspiracy to rob and steal. He will appear Basingstoke Magistrates Court this morning. Alfred Cochrane, 52, of Scargreen Avenue, Norris Green, Liverpool, has been charged with an offence relating to the handling of stolen goods. He has been released on bail to appear before Basingstoke Magistrates Court on February 1.