A TEENAGER has been charged with attempted murder and kidnap after two incidents in Harlow town centre.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “It was reported to us that, at about 2.15pm on Tuesday 7 January, a 17-year-old boy was forced into a vehicle in Terminus Street.

Then, at about 4.20pm, we were called by the ambulance service to reports of a man in his 30s with life-threatening injuries in Staple Tye Shopping Centre.

Officers closed the centre and paramedics carried out vital treatment at the scene before the victim was taken to hospital where he remains.

Officers believed the incidents were connected and launched a fast-paced investigation, and began making arrests the following day.

On Monday 20 January, a 16-year-old from Harlow was arrested and charged with attempted murder, kidnap, possession of a bladed article, and assault by beating.

He first appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 21 January and will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 24 January.

A 19-year-old man from Harlow was also arrested on suspicion of kidnap and attempted murder and has since been released on police bail until 12 March.

“Two more teenagers from North Weald, a 19-year-old arrested on suspicion of kidnap and a 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of kidnap and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, have also been bailed until 1 April”.