Shot Briton 'had been kidnapped'

British backpacker killed in a jungle shootout in Colombia may have been dragged off a bus and kidnapped by guerrillas, it emerged today.

Jeremy Parks, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Bromley, died on Sunday during the clash near the city of Medellin between Colombian troops and the National Liberation Army, the country's second largest guerrilla group.

His parents Reg and Monica had initially hoped reports of his death were based on mistaken identity, but had the tragedy confirmed by police late last night

Colombian authorities said the likelihood was Jeremy had been kidnapped by guerrillas. He had been backpacking through Latin America since June, and arrived in Colombia on 15 September.