London men charged with kidnap and robbery of two teenagers they forced into a Basingstoke taxi

Officers have charged two men in connection with a kidnap and robbery investigation in Basingstoke.

The incident took place at around 4.30pm on Friday 8 May.

It is alleged that a group of males robbed two teenage boys who were walking in Dryden Close, Popley, before forcing them into a taxi which was stopped by police in Carpenters Down, Popley shortly afterwards. Police have confirmed that cash was stolen from the victims.

Kesshai Clarke, 19, of London, and Nathan Gavin Johnson, 22, also of London, have each been charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of kidnap and possession of an offensive weapon.

Both men appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court this morning and have been remanded in custody to appear before Winchester Crown Court on 3 June.

A 16-year-old boy from London, arrested on suspicion of affray and kidnap, has been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen what happened, or have any information, dashcam or CCTV footage that might be relevant, to call police on 101 quoting Operation Thymus.

Image credit: Pixabay/Hampshire Constabulary