Luis Diaz’s father is “rescued from a kidnapping in Colombia” after a shootout leaves two kidnappers dead… hours after his mother is also said to have been rescued

Luis Diaz’s father was reportedly rescued from kidnapping during a shootout that left two of his captors dead, just hours after the footballer’s mother was freed from her ordeal.

The search for Luis Manuel Diaz continued after Cilenis Marulanda was rescued following a police chase sparked by the abduction of the Liverpool star’s parents on Saturday afternoon near their home in the town of Barrancas in Colombia’s Caribbean region.

According to local media reports in the La Guajira region, which includes Barrancas, the striker’s father has now been released following a shootout with police that left two of the four kidnappers dead.

The incident is said to have occurred near an area called Los Barrancones as the kidnappers made their way to Colombia’s border with Venezuela with the intention of smuggling him into the neighboring country.

There is still no official confirmation that Luis Diaz’s father was also rescued. His mother was pictured overnight enjoying a tearful reunion with relatives.

Luis Diaz’s father (Luis Manuel Diaz, pictured in 2019) was reportedly rescued from being kidnapped during a shootout, although this has not been officially confirmed

Luis Diaz’s parents were believed to have been kidnapped in his Colombian hometown and his mother was reportedly rescued first

The reports came to light when a man described as Luis Manuel Diaz’s best friend told a Colombian radio station that the soccer player’s father and his wife were on their way to the home of one of Cilenis’ relatives near a gas station , where they were filling up their car with fuel when they were taken hostage.

Victor Medina said: “On Saturday it was 5:30 p.m. local time.”

“They had filled up with gas and then drove to a nearby neighborhood to pick up something from a relative of Celinis.”

“The kidnappers arrived there, four men on motorcycles.

“They threatened her with weapons, forced her to get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorcycle, which chased them.” They set off into a rural area.

“The authorities were informed and a chase ensued.”

Responding to claims that there had been an exchange of gunfire before Cilenis was rescued, Mr Medina said: “I haven’t had a chance to speak to her yet.”

“It’s a difficult situation.” She’s back home with the doctors because we know that she arrived quite distressed after the traumatic experience for her.

“We’re just waiting for things to calm down a bit before we talk to her.”

Four men reportedly arrived on motorcycles with guns and kidnapped Diaz’s parents, but two were shot dead by police

The kidnappers were reportedly heading to Colombia’s border with Venezuela with the intention of smuggling Diaz’s father into the neighboring country

He added: “Luis Manuel Diaz is a person very popular in Barrancas and there was never any mention of threats.”

“He and his family are very valued in this community and that is why he has always felt calm and safe here.”

“But there will always be someone who wants to harm a family, a family that brings Barrancas a lot of fame and recognition.”

“The general public rejects actions like this that target a well-loved and respected family in our community.”