Luis Diaz's parents kidnapped in Colombia - what we know
By
Will Castle
Will Castle
The parents of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz have been kidnapped in his home city of Barrancas, Colombian police have confirmed.
Semana have reported that the couple - Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda - were on their way home as they were approached by armed individuals on motorcycles.
It has since been confirmed that Diaz's mother has been released as a result of an operation carried out by security forces and the army.
However, the whereabouts of his father, along with the criminals, is at this stage unknown.
General William Salamanca, director of Colombia's National Police, has provided an update on the operation.
"We already have the mother, she is in good health, scared, but she is fine," he said.
"They took the father away on a motorcycle, they took him out of the car and took him along the trails there.
"We are committed to carrying out checkpoints and identifying people on motorcycles."
President Gustavo Petro has deployed the army in the search for Luis Manuel Diaz.
Meanwhile, it is expected that Colonel Geovanni Cristancho - director of the Police Gaula, Colombia's forces that specialise in hostage crisis - will now travel to Guajira and take charge of the situation.
On Sunday morning, Liverpool released a club statement on the dire situation.
It reads: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia.
"It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority."
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