Second arrest for Czech kidnapping

Police have arrested a second man in connection with the alleged kidnapping of two Czech tourists south of Kaitaia last week.

The 57-year-old appeared before a sitting of the JP Court in Kaitaia on Wednesday on two counts of kidnapping, and was bailed to his home until January 16.

A 47-year-old man arrested on the day of the incident was bailed to the same date on two counts of kidnapping and one of using a firearm in the commission of an offence.

The original charges of assault, presenting a firearm and unlawful possession of a pistol have been withdrawn.