FOUR people are due to appear before a court today charged with an alleged kidnapping, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and three counts of false imprisonment.

The charges relate to dawn raids carried out in Gravesend last Friday by Kent Police, the National Crime Squad, and other agencies at six locations in the borough of Gravesham.

Six people were arrested as a result. A firearm was also recovered during the operation.

On Sunday, police released two men. The others are due to appear before magistrates in Maidstone today.

Kent Police say they all live in the Gravesend area. They are 27-year-old Avtar Singh, Asim Rana, 23, Gurwinder Jutty, 20, and Sukhjinder Pooney, aged 19.

Detectives say a man in his 20s is currently under police protection.