North Yorkshire businessman Colin Armstrong kidnapped in Ecuador, police say
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Mr Armstrong, who is also the former UK’s Honorary Consul in Guayaquil, was reportedly taken from his ranch in Los Ríos with partner Katherine Paola Santos in the early hours of Saturday morning (December 16).
The 78-year-old is well known in North Yorkshire for his ownership of the Tupgill Park Estate in Coverdale as well as his design of popular tourist attraction Forbidden Corner, but also runs agricultural supplies company Agripac in Ecuador.
Police in Ecuador have confirmed they are investigating an “alleged criminal act against a businessman” in a social media statement, but did not name Mr Armstrong.
INFORMAMOS ||
Ante presunto hecho delictivo en contra de un empresario ocurrido esta madrugada en #LosRíos; unidades especializadas de @PoliciaEcuador ejecutan labores operativas y de investigación en territorio.
Noticia en desarrollo… pic.twitter.com/PVbnSJ1QmQ
— Policía Ecuador (@PoliciaEcuador) December 16, 2023
Further information from a police report seen by The Guardian further alleges that he was driven away in his own black BMW, which was later found dumped.
Following the news, a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are in contact with the Ecuadorian authorities following the disappearance of a British man and are supporting his family.”
Mr Armstrong’s background in North Yorkshire stretches back to his father and grandfather Bob, the latter of whom bought the future site of Forbidden Corner formerly known as Tupgill Racing Stables in 1904 when he was a jockey and horse trainer.
His father Gerald was a gentleman jockey and following the death of his grandfather, ownership passed to his aunt.
But, after receiving an education and making his way into business, Mr Armstrong purchased Tupgill, and set about its renovation and development – which resulted in Forbidden Corner’s creation in the 1980s.
The attraction is set in a four-acre garden, it is a unique collection of labyrinths, tunnels, and caverns. You can experience a temple of underworld creatures, a glass pyramid, passages that lead nowhere and extraordinary statues.
It was once voted among the UK’s top attractions and draws in 80,000 visitors annually.
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