A British businessman who was kidnapped from his dwelling in Ecuador has been rescued by police.
Colin Armstrong, who can be the UK’s Honorary Consul in Guayaquil, was reportedly taken from a ranch he owns within the province of Los Rios, alongside together with his accomplice, early on Saturday morning.
Local media experiences stated criminals disguised as law enforcement officials forcibly entered the 78-year-old’s property and snatched him and his accomplice, who’s a Colombian nationwide.
But at the moment Cesar Augusto Zapata Correa, the final commander of the National Police of Ecuador, posted on X to say that Mr Armstrong had been discovered on the highway to Manabi, not removed from the place he was kidnapped.
The police chief stated Mr Armstrong is “safe and healthy” and that 9 individuals have been arrested.
The publish included an image of Mr Armstrong, stood between two law enforcement officials together with his arms folded, carrying darkish tracksuit bottoms, a darkish blue sweater, and a police baseball cap.
Ecuadorian inside minister Monica Palencia thanked police in a publish on X which stated: “We will not allow impunity. Police actions continue.”
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Mr Armstrong is the founding father of Agripac, an agricultural merchandise provide firm in Ecuador based in 1972.
He can be the proprietor of the 500-acre Tupgill Park Estate, which has greater than 50 individuals on its payroll to assist keep it for the roughly 150,000 guests it will get every year.
The businessman was awarded an OBE and CMG by the Queen for providers to the British monarchy in 2011.
A video beforehand posted on social media claiming to point out the aftermath of the kidnapping at his dwelling exhibits a damaged doorframe and dried blood on a mattress within the property.
The UK’s Foreign and Development Office has beforehand confirmed it’s in touch with Ecuadorian authorities following the disappearance of a British man, however didn’t affirm his id.
Source: information.sky.com”