DETECTIVES have this evening charged a man in connection with the kidnap of Paul Brady in Bacup in August 2009.

Mark Azzopardi, 40, of Rocket Way, Salford, Manchester who was arrested earlier today (Tuesday 2nd February), has been charged with conspiracy to kidnap and murder and has been remanded in custody to appear before Burnley Magistrates Court tomorrow morning (3rd February)

Paul Brady, 44, of Rochdale was kidnapped from the Beaufort Road area of Weir, Bacup on Saturday, August 1st. after police were alerted to the incident at 2.10pm following a call from a member of the public.

The whereabouts of Mr Brady are still unknown and a major police investigation continues. However, following extensive inquiries to try and establish where he may be, detectives now believe he may no longer be alive.