Chilling news from Colombia: Armed men have KIDNAPPED Luis Diaz's parents

Liverpool star Luis Diaz's parents have faced a distressing situation in their native Colombia. They were kidnapped by armed men. His mother has been rescued first, and his father was also freed after several hours of fear and a gun fight which left a couple of kidnappers killed. The distressing incident occurred in Barrancas, La Guajira, the town where Diaz grew up. Assailants intercepted Diaz's parents' vehicles and then commandeered their van, fleeing the scene.

Reports suggest that both military and police forces are collaborating in the region to determine the whereabouts of the victims, although conflicting reports could complicate the investigation. For example, there are unconfirmed reports that Diaz's parents were abducted while watching a football match. Colombia's Attorney General's Office promptly issued a statement outlining their efforts to locate the kidnapped individuals and hold those responsible accountable.

Luis Diaz's father has reportedly been rescued from a kidnapping situation in a dramatic turn of events. His mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was already freed following a police chase initiated after the kidnapping of the Liverpool star's parents on Saturday near their home in the town of Barrancas in Colombia's Caribbean region. Local media reports in the La Guajira region, which includes Barrancas, indicate that the striker's father has been liberated after a shootout with the police, which unfortunately resulted in the deaths of two out of the four kidnappers.

This incident occurred near an area known as Los Barrancones as the kidnappers were attempting to transport him to Colombia's border with Venezuela, presumably with the intention of smuggling him into the neighbouring country. Official confirmation regarding the rescue of Luis Diaz's father has not yet been provided. His mother was photographed reuniting with relatives, displaying evident relief and emotion.

Earlier, Blu Radio Colombia reported that Diaz's mother has been rescued, but that his father had remained in the custody of armed men. Diaz recently played for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby in the Premier League and represented Colombia in CONMEBOL qualifiers against Ecuador and Uruguay.

On the day LFC host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, the club has issued a statement expressing hope this terrible situation is resolved quickly.

"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."

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 10

Friday

Crystal Palace - Tottenham 1-2 (0-0)

/Ayew 90+4 - Ward 53, Son 66/

Saturday

Chelsea - Brentford 0-2 (0-0)

/Pinnock 58, Mbuemo 90+6/

Arsenal - Sheffield United 5-0 (1-0)

/Nketiah 28, 51, 58, Vieira 88 pen, Tomiyasu 90+6/

Bournemouth - Burnley 2-1 (1-1)

/Semenyo 22, Billing 76 - Taylor 11/

Wolverhampton Wanderers - Newcastle United 2-2 (1-2)

/Lemina 36, Hwang 71 - Wilson 22, 45+4 pen/

Sunday

16:00: (2.10) West Ham (3.45) Everton (3.50)

17:00: (1.28) Aston Villa (5.90) Luton (9.50)

17:00: (1.55) Brighton (4.40) Fulham (6.50)

17:00: (1.28) Liverpool (5.90) Nott.Forest (9.50)

18:30: (5.50) Man.Utd. (3.70) Man.City (1.67)

***odds are subject to change***