British millionaire kidnapped in Ecuador is rescued

A British millionaire who was kidnapped form his home in Ecuador last weekend has been rescued by police.

The former honorary consul of the UK in Guayaquil, Colin Armstrong, was kidnapped following an operation that reportedly included more than 15 gangsters. He was thrown into a black BMW which he owned with his partner and was later found abandoned near the scenes.

The incident kicked off a police investigation involving British intelligence services. However, Ecuador's police chief, Cesar Augusto Zapata, confirmed on social media that Mr Armstrong has been found alive, the Mirror reports.

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He wrote: "On the road to Manabí, our units released citizen Collin A., kidnapped days before in LosRíos . At the moment he is safe and healthy. There are 9 arrested. News in development.”

A photo of the Brit alongside two police officers was posted alongside the update in which his face was blurred for unknown reasons. One person responded to the update, saying: "We are waiting for you with open arms, dear Colin."

A woman believed to be a member of staff who filmed inside the ranch took close-up shots of broken plates on the floor and a man who appeared to beholding a bandage to his head. In the clip, she said: "This is where they hit him.

"My God, what is this!” The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed: “We are in contact with -Ecuadorian authorities following the disappearance of a British man and are supporting his family.”