Five people have today (July 28) been charged with conspiracy to murder in an investigation into the deaths of two men who were brutally killed seven years ago.

Johnny Robbins, 33, is believed to have been kidnapped, tortured and murdered before his body was dumped in woodland.

The dad-of-three's body has never been found since he went missing in Coventry on March 21, 2018.

Mr Robbins was executed on Torrington Avenue alongside Daniel Shaw, 28, who was shot dead on the doorstep of his home in Copland Place on March 25, 2018.

Today five people were arrested in an early morning operation at addresses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

• Sam Jones, aged 26, and Ben Whyley, 36, have both been charged with kidnap, false imprisonment, wounding with intent and conspiracy to murder.
• Jordan Doswell, aged 29, and Junior Makosso, aged 28, have both been charged with false imprisonment, wounding with intent and conspiracy to murder.
• Thomas Young, aged 29, has been charged with kidnap and false imprisonment.

A burnt out car was found near Crackley Woods, Kenilworth during the initial investigation (image via SWNS)

All five people are due to appear before Birmingham magistrates this afternoon.

Today's charges relate to the kidnap, torture and murder of Johnny Robbins only, as West Midlands Police has so far not been able to gather sufficient evidence to charge anyone in relation to the death of Daniel Shaw.

Six other people who have been arrested or voluntarily interviewed last year as part of the investigation will face no further action.

Senior Investigating Officer Jenny Birch said: "This is a really significant development in our investigation into the deaths of Johnny and Daniel.

"We have said from the outset that we were absolutely committed to establishing the truth behind what happened to them, and that has been true throughout the many years we have been investigating.

"We have spoken to Johnny and Daniel's families today to update them on the latest developments, and will continue to support them.

"Seven years have passed, and allegiances change. We still need people with information about what happened to do the right thing - pick up the phone and tell us what you know."

Police still need to hear from anyone with information about the whereabouts of Ryan Hobday, aged 28 in 2018, from Coventry who is wanted in connection with the murders. 

The force believes he may also have been murdered.

Police are still searching for Ryan Hobday (image via West Midlands Police)