A BRITISH businessman has been kidnapped in Ecuador after “15 criminals stormed his estate”.
Colin Armstrong, 78, was reportedly snatched in the early hours of Saturday morning in Baba, Los Rios province.
Tupgill Park EstateColin Armstrong was reportedly snatched in the early hours of Saturday in Ecuador[/caption]
Mr Armstrong – who is also head of the British Consulate in the city of Guayaquil – was held with a Colombian woman.
A video said to show signs of forced entry, along with traces of blood and ransacked rooms, is understood to be circulating on social media.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the kidnap.
The Foreign Office said the were in contact with authorities in the South American nation following the disappearance of a British man.
The did not confirm his identity or the location of the potential crime.
Mr Armstrong is the founder of a large firm in Ecuador called Agripac that produces, distributes and sells agricultural and industrial supplies.
He is also the owner of Tupgill Park Estate in North Yorkshire, which was his childhood home.
The 78-year-old was awarded the OBE and CMG for services to the British Monarchy in 2011.