A man charged with kidnapping after a woman was forced into a car has been remanded in custody.

Cameron Boxhall, 21, will appear in a Crown court charged with kidnap and six other offences.

Police launched an investigation after a woman was kidnapped. She was asked for directions by a man at the junction of Selbourne Road and Church Road, Hove, at 2am on Monday, August 5.

The victim escaped from the vehicle a short distance later in First Avenue and managed to call for help.

Boxall, of Carden Hill, Brighton, appeared before District Judge Amanda Kelly at Brighton Magistrates' Court today.

Prosecutor Charlotte Frost told the packed out court that due to the nature and seriousness of the charges against him, Boxall should be held in custody until his next court hearing.

The 21-year-old is also charged with theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle, driving without a licence and no insurance, making off without payment of petrol and possession of cannabis.

READ MORE: Fears new takeaway will attract more 'feral' youths to troubled village

He wore a blue sports t-shirt and did not speak during the hearing, but shook his head as Judge Kelly remanded him into custody.

Boxall is set to appear at Lewes Crown Court on September 12 to enter a plea.

Sussex Police said two other local men, aged 21 and 29, who were arrested in connection with the kidnapping and on suspicion of theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle and making off without payment have been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

Superintendent Petra Lazar said: “This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation and we would like to thank the community for all their support.”

“We are still encouraging those with information or any relevant CCTV footage of the incident that could assist this investigation to contact us.”

People are asked to report this online, or by calling 101 quoting Operation Grangeway.

Alternatively, you can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online.