LFC star Luis Diaz's dad rescued from kidnapping after shootout leaves two dead

Luis Diaz's dad has reportedly been rescued from a kidnapping during a shootout that left two of his captors dead hours after the footballer's mum was freed from her ordeal.

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

Local media from the La Guajira region claim that the Reds' forward's dad has now been freed following a police rescue mission, which resulted in the deaths of two of the four kidnappers. The incident is said to have happened near an area called Los Barrancones as the captors aimed to head towards Colombia's border with Venezuela with the intention of smuggling him into the neighbouring country.

As of yet, there has not yet been any official confirmation Luis Diaz's dad has been rescued by the local authorities. His mum was pictured overnight enjoying a tearful reunion with relatives.

A man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz has told a Colombian radio station the footballer's parents had been heading to the home of a relative of Cilenis near a petrol station where they had just filled up their car with fuel when they were taken hostage.

Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday. They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis. There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.

“They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area. The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”

Luis Diaz's mother and father have been rescued from the kidnappers

Asked if there was any shoot-out between the captors and authorities before Cilenis was rescued, Mr Medina said: “I haven't had the chance to speak to her yet.

“It's a difficult situation. She's back at home with doctors because we know she arrived quite distressed after what has been a trauma for her. We're just waiting for everything to calm down a bit before we speak with her.”

He added: “Luis Manuel Diaz is a person who is much loved in Barrancas and there's never been any talk of threats. He and his family are highly appreciated in this municipality and that is why he always felt calm and safe here.

“But there is always going to be someone who wants to harm a family, a family which is bringing a lot of glory and a lot of recognition to Barrancas. The general public rejects acts like this targeting a much-loved and respected family in our municipality."

Early on Sunday morning, Liverpool released a statement on the situation that read: "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."