Four Arrested Over Shocking Kidnap in Blackburn and Accrington
Police swooped on homes in Blackburn and Accrington yesterday, arresting four men aged between 22 and 40 on suspicion of kidnapping. Warrants were executed at Lawrence Street and Stirling Drive in Blackburn, plus Winterson Road and Ormerod Street in Accrington.
Weapons and Cannabis Plants Seized
During the raids, officers recovered weapons and 50 cannabis plants. The suspects remain in custody as inquiries continue.
Kidnap Case Launched After Assault in Darwen
The arrests follow a long-running investigation launched on June 13, 2021, after a man was reportedly kidnapped and assaulted in Birch Hall, Darwen. The victim was taken to a second location and attacked again before managing to escape and call for help. Police believe the attack was a case of mistaken identity.
Charges and Court Appearances
After consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service, the four men face charges of conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. They appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court this morning (April 13).
- Faisal Fareed, 22, of Lawrence Street, Blackburn
- Kasim Ahmed, 33, of Stirling Drive, Blackburn
- Nicholas Shaw, 40, of Medina Close, Accrington
- Khizer Khan, 39, of Ormerod Street, Blackburn
Shaw and Fareed have been remanded in custody and will face Crown Court on May 16.
Police Hunt Fifth Man Linked to Case
Officers are still looking for 26-year-old Faizaan Fareed from Blackburn in connection with the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Lancashire Police at [email protected], call 101 quoting log 1866 of June 13, 2021, or dial 999 for urgent sightings.
