TWO men accused of murdering a Bradford bus driver – whose body was found in an old bank – are due to make their first crown court appearance today.

Qaisar Shah, 36, from Mayo Crescent in Bradford and Sabbah Shahmuradi, 36, from French's Wells in Woking, have both been charged with murder and conspiracy to kidnap.

Shah also faces a charge of conspiracy to possess criminal property.

All the charges are in relation to the death of Asghar Badshah, from Bradford.

Mr Badshah, who was affectionately known as “Oscar” and drove for First Bus, was allegedly kidnapped from Mayo Road, in Bradford, in the early hours of November 30, 2019.

Police discovered his body in the old bank on Commercial Street, Batley, around a month later, on December 29, 2019.

The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team is continuing to investigate the alleged murder and made four arrests on Thursday - two men and two women.

Shah and Shahmuradi appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

The case was sent to Bradford Crown Court because the charges are too serious to be dealt with by magistrates. A plea and case management hearing was scheduled for 9.30am this morning.

The two other arrests made on Thursday were, Sobia Syed, 37, from Henna Close, Bradford, and Zaban Syed, 60, from Mayo Road, Bradford.

Both were charged with conspiracy to possess criminal property and they also appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

They are now due to appear at Bradford Crown Court for a plea hearing on June 21.

All four defendants were remanded in custody after the magistrates court hearing.

Meanwhile, the twin brother of Asghar Badshah has spoken of how the family have had to “persevere” over the past 18 months and are now hoping for justice.

Akbar Bhadshah, 40, spoke to the T&A after the four arrests.

Akbar, who recently relocated to Devon from Bradford, said: “My brother was an honest, hard-working, God-fearing, simple bus driver.

Akbar came back to visit family in Bradford recently for Eid.

He said it has been a difficult time for them all, but are happy with the recent development.

He said: “We have our prayers and keep our faith in God and faith in West Yorkshire Police.”