FIVE men have been charged after police were called to reports of a kidnap in St Helens.

Residents reported seeing armed officers in the area of Burtonhead Road, on Tuesday this week, August 6.

When asked about this, a police spokeswoman confirmed that they were called in connection with a kidnapping.

Five suspects have been charged following the reported kidnap.

At around 10.15am on Tuesday, August 6, police received reports that a man in his 30s had been kidnapped from the St Helens area.

Armed officers found the victim who police say "fortunately did not suffer any physical injuries and is being supported by specialist officers".

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Savannah Bernstein, 20, of no fixed address has been charged with false imprisonment, blackmail and possession of a controlled drug (Class B).

Meanwhile, Ruben Bernstein, 18, of Ash Grove, Prescot, and Robert Wood, 27, of Dewsbury Road, Liverpool, were charged with false imprisonment.

Mark Wise, 19, of Manningham Drive, Liverpool, was charged with kidnap and false imprisonment.

Also, William Huyton, 31, of no fixed address was charged with kidnap, blackmail, and false imprisonment

They have all been remanded to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, September 5.