A 38-year-old man has been charged with kidnap after a teenager was reportedly forced into a vehicle in Purfleet.

Police were called to reports of dangerous driving and an assault in Vineyard Way at about 7.35pm on Friday (7 March).

A driver reportedly left his vehicle and assaulted the victim before forcing them into the vehicle and leaving the scene.

Officers quickly located the teenage boy, who had been left close to Purfleet train station, and located the suspect's vehicle in Botany Terrace within 30 minutes of the initial call to police where he was arrested.

Now, 38-year-old Spencer Ven Schevensteen, of Botany Terrace in Purfleet, has been charged with kidnap, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and common assault.

He was remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Southend Magistrates' Court on Monday, 10 March.

The teenager was taken to hospital for further treatment by paramedics.