Two more Southampton men charged with kidnap

Two men from the city appeared at court this morning following an incident in St Andrews Road, Southampton.

• Five men charged following alleged kidnapping involving gun and machete
• Two more arrests in connection with alleged Southampton kidnapping​

Lavdrim Ismaili, 27, from London Road, and Arben Lleshi, 30, from White Star Place, have both been charged with kidnap.

Police were previously alerted to reports of an aggravated burglary at an address in St Andrews Road on Friday.

Police patrol cars outside a property in St Andrews Road, Southampton

A group of men are said to have broken into a property with an axe before forcing a man into a vehicle which then sped off.

• Large police presence spotted as part of kidnap probe

A cannabis farm with between 100 and 150 plants was later found by police

Ismaili and Lleshi appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court this morning and have been remanded to next appear in court on Friday, April 16.

Five men have already been charged with offences relating to this incident. They are:

• Spartak Demiraj, 30, of Brittania Road in Southend on Sea - charged with kidnap.

• Brixiado Halilaj, 20, of Portland Street, Southampton - charged with kidnap.

• Zef Gjoka, 29, of Nightingale Road, Southampton - charged with kidnap.

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

• Armando Topalli, 27, of John Thornycroft Road, Southampton - charged with kidnap and possession of a firearm with intent.

Police taped off a property in St Andrews Road, Southampton

All five men have been remanded and are next due to appear at Southampton Crown Court next month.

Four other men were also initially arrested in connection with the incident. They are:

• A 37-year-old man from Tottenham in London - arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. He has been released under investigation.

• A 43-year-old man from Tottenham in London - arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. He has been released under investigation.

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

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