Southampton men charged following alleged kidnapping

Police raced to St Andrews Road after receiving reports of a group of men breaking into a property with an axe before forcing a man into a vehicle and fleeing the scene.

When officers arrived they found a cannabis factory inside the address.

Police taped off a property in St Andrews Road, Southampton

Between 100 and150 cannabis plants were located along with a number of bags containing the drug.

The street value is estimated to be worth £40,000, according to police.

Following the incident on Friday afternoon, Armando Topalli, 27, of John Thornycroft Road, Southampton has been charged with kidnap and possession of a firearm with intent.

Aranit Topalli, 27, of St Andrews Road, Southampton has been charged with kidnap and producing Class B drugs.

Police at St Andrews Road, Southampton 12/3/21

Meanwhile, Brixiado Halilaj, 20, of Portland Street, Southampton and Zef Gjoka, 29, of Nightingale Road, Southampton and Spartak Demiraj, 30, of Brittania Road in Southend on Sea have each been charged with kidnap.

During an initial hearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, the court heard how the incident involved weapons including a handgun, metal bars and a machete.

All five have been remanded to next appear at Southampton Crown Court next month.

According to police, four other men have been arrested in connection with the incident.

A 37-year-old man from Tottenham in London has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remains in police custody at this time.

Police at St Andrews Road, Southampton 12/3/21

A 43-year-old man from Tottenham in London has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary but has been released from custody and remains under investigation.

A 41-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, kidnap and producing Class B drugs.

He has been released from custody but remains under investigation.

A 69-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, kidnap and being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs.

He has been released from custody on police bail.

A police spokesperson said: "We continue to appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area at around the time of the incident or has any information that may assist our investigation to call us on 101 quoting 44210092064. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111."