A THIRD Blackburn man has been sent in custody for trial at Birmingham Crown Court after appearing before the city's magistrates yesterday on a charge of kidnap.

Nawaz Khan, 21, of Preston New Road, is jointly charged with Tariq Ellahi, 29, of Trevor Close, and Irfan Mahmood, 21, of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, with kidnapping Akhtar Mahmood. Ellahi and Mahmood appeared in court on Saturday and they were also remanded in custody to appear before the Crown Court on February 7.

Mr Akhtar was allegedly held at an address in Little Harwood, Blackburn, for four days early in January, during which time he allegedly suffered numerous injuries.

He was released after a sum of money was allegedly handed over.

Police officers from Lancashire, Yorkshire and the Midlands were involved in efforts to find Mr Mahmood and the subsequent investigation of his disappearance.

All three defendants are represented by Blackburn-based solicitor Basharat Ditta, who refused to comment other than to say that all three of his clients strenuously deny the charge.