TWO men have appeared before Blackburn magistrates following the alleged kidnapping of a Blackburn man in Greece.

Dr Tahir Mahmood Zaman, a 35-year-old GP and his father Mohammed Zaman, 66, both of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, appeared yesterday charged with conspiracy to kidnap and blackmail.

No evidence was given at the hearing and both men were remanded on conditional bail to appear at Preston Crown Court on October 31.

Greek newsagency reports said Joulam Raisal Hassan Ajad was kidnapped in Athens earlier this week by six men.

Joulam, who lived in Blackburn before moving to Greece and who still has relatives in the area, was allegedly snatched in the Rendi area of the city.

The reports said he was taken to Thiva, a small settlement outside the capital, where demands for £5,000 cash were sent to his relatives in Britain.

Money was allegedly handed over and Mr Ajad was released.

Five men were later arrested in Greece and police said sixth man was still being hunted.

Lancashire Police confirmed they and the National Crime Squad went to addresses in the West Midlands on Wednesday night.

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are aware of an operation between Lancashire Police and police in Greece.

"We are also aware that a man was kidnapped and has since been released.

"We do not know any more because we were not really involved. Our staff in Athens were ready to help if needed but were not asked to."