FIVE men charged in connection with the hijacking of a lorry after it left an Evesham computer firm have appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court.

A £250,000 load belonging to Evesham Technology on the Vale Business Park was stolen after delivery driver Alan Jones, aged 57, was held up at gunpoint on Friday, June 21.

Mr Jones, a married man, was bundled into the boot of a car which was abandoned on the M4 near Swindon. He survived the ordeal.

In the dock were: Aaron Johnson, aged 18, Simon Johnson, 20, Andrew Currie, 36, Terry Cutler, 32, and Phillip Price, 46.

The defendants, who face charges of conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to kidnap, are from Telford and Rugby.

Judge Michael Mott remanded them all in custody until September 30, when they will appear at crown court again for a plea and directions hearing. A bail application by Aaron Johnson was refused.