Teenager charged with attempted murder and kidnap after two incidents in Harlow
One victim remains in hospital
A teenager has been charged with attempted murder and kidnap after two incidents in Harlow town centre.
It was reported 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, the ambulance service reported 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 yesterday and will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday.
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.