UK reporter 'kidnapped in Somalia'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

African police said a Briton - along with a Lebanese journalist - was captured in the strife-torn nation.

Abshir Abdi Jama, a police spokesman in the northern region of Puntland, was unable to confirm the pair's identity, but said they were working on a story about piracy.

The alleged kidnap comes after one of the British sailors held captive on a hijacked oil tanker made light of his ordeal, saying the hostages' families "don't have too much to worry about".

Citing intelligence, Mr Jama said he was unable to elaborate on the latest kidnap.

He added: "They were kidnapped, they are not missing."

Somalia, an impoverished nation caught up in Islamic insurgency, has not had a functioning government since 1991.

The situation has gained international attention since pirates attacked the Sirius Star on November 15, 420 nautical miles off the coast.

Chief engineer Peter French, from County Durham, is among 25 people being held on the Saudi-owned ship.

He told ITV News the pirates had not mistreated the captives, and said he hoped to speak to his family again soon. Mr French, the ship's chief engineer, was seized along with James Grady, from Renfrewshire.