British businessman and diplomat ‘is kidnapped from his home in Ecuador’

• Colin Armstrong was reportedly snatched in the early hours of this morning from his home along with a Colombian woman

The head of the British Consulate in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil has been kidnapped, local media reported today.

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.

A prominent British businessman and informal diplomat in the city of Guayaquil was kidnapped in Los Rios province, north of the industrial city, local media reported on Saturday

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 features 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.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement it is in contact with authorities following the disappearance of a British man, but did not confirm his identity or the location of the potential crime.

Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common in Ecuador amid rising crime largely attributed to drug trafficking gangs.

MailOnline has contacted the British Embassy in Ecuador for comment.  

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