The head of the British Consulate in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil has been kidnapped. British businessman Colin Armstrong was reportedly snatched in the early hours of this morning from his home along 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 in Baba in the province of Los Rios.
As well as being Britain’s Honorary Consul in Guayaquil, 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. It is open to the public as a visitor attraction. Its attractions include the Forbidden Corner, a garden originally built as a private folly by Mr Armstrong and architect Malcolm Tempest.
The 78-year-old expat businessman was awarded the OBE and CMG for services to the British Monarchy in 2011.
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