Two men have been charged in connection with the kidnap of a man in south London in the early hours of Monday morning.

The alleged victim – who is in his 40s but has not been named – was walking home from work when he was bundled into the back of a van in Keston Road, Thorton Heath just before 2.30am. 

He managed to call his wife as he was being driven away, who then alerted the police. A member of the public also called 999. 

Officers eventually managed to speak to the man in the back of the van and tracked his location using the device.

A police patrol car tried to stop the van but it sped off, sparking a chase that ended when it turned into a dead end.

Two of the alleged kidnappers tried to run away but were Tasered and arrested. 

On Tuesday, police revealed that Benjamin Oliveira, 36, of Brierley, New Addington had been charged with kidnap, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, actual bodily harm and dangerous driving.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Aubin Wadman of Lansdowne Road, Croydon has also been charged with kidnap, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and actual bodily harm.

Both men are remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Police are still searching for a third suspect.