A man kidnapped and held for a number of days by a South American gang has been rescued by police following a major operation.
British millionaire Colin Armstrong was kidnapped from his home in Ecuador on Saturday 16 December.
The former honorary consul of the United Kingdom in Guayaquil was kidnapped in an operation involving more than 15 gangsters from his home and was forcibly bundled into a black BMW he owned.
Ecuador's police chief, Cesar Augusto Zapata confirmed he had been found alive and arrests had been made.
Ecuador police tweeted a photo of Colin Armstrong with officers after he was found
In a post on social media, he wrote: "On the road to Manabí, our units released citizen Colin A., kidnapped days before in LosRíos .
"At the moment he is safe and healthy. There are nine arrested. News in development."
Armstrong is the founder of an agricultural products supply company in Ecuador.
A video claiming to show the aftermath of the kidnapping in Armstrong's home was shared on social media.
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Colin Armstrong
Tupgill Park EstateThe 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."
In response to the post on social media, one person wrote: "We are waiting for you with open arms dear Colin."
Another praised the officers involved in the operation, saying: "Excellent work from our @PoliciaEcuador"
Armstrong founded the agricultural network Agripac in 1972 and has had a long association with the South American country.
He is also the owner of the 500-acre Tupgill Park Estate in Coverham, Leyburn 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.
Colin's adopted son, Leo Morris, helps run a restaurant at the family estate.
