A British businessman has been kidnapped from his home in Ecuador as the criminals impersonated police officers, local media has said.
Colin Armstrong - the founder of an agricultural products supply companies in Ecuador - was reportedly taken alongside his partner by around 15 men.
It has been reported that the gang disguised as police officers and forced their way into a ranch he owns in the province of Los Rios on Saturday morning.
The UK's Foreign and Development Office has said it is in contact with Ecuadorian authorities following the disappearance of a British man, but did not confirm his identity or the location of the potential crime.
It has been reported that the gang disguised as police officers and forced their way into a ranch he owns in the province of Los Rios on Saturday morning
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Police in Ecuador say "operational and research tasks" are being carried out following "the alleged criminal act against a businessman that occurred this morning."
An Ecuadorian report suggests he was driven away in his own black BMW, which was later found dumped.
A video claiming to show the aftermath of the kidnapping in Armstrong's home has been shared on social media.
The footage shows a broken doorframe and dried blood on a bed in the property.
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Armstrong founded agricultural supplies company, Agripac in 1972.
He is also the owner of the 500-acre Tupgill Park Estate, which sees approximately 150,000 visitors each year.
The 78-year-old was awarded an OBE and CMG by the Queen for services to the British Monarchy in 2011.
Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common in Ecuador which are largely carried out by drug trafficking gangs.
It was named as the most dangerous country in Latin America, according to a 2022 Gallup poll.
The Ecuadorian police said in a tweet on X: "Following an apparent criminal act against a businessman in the early hours of this morning in Los Rios, specialist police units are carrying out operative and investigative work on the ground."
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office added: “We are in contact with the Ecuadorian authorities following the disappearance of a British man and are supporting his family.”
