ELN spokesman declares father of Liverpool star Diaz to be released

Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) say the father of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz will soon be released.

A branch of the ELN have been holding Luis Manuel Diaz hostage after kidnapping him last weekend.

Diaz's father will be released "as soon as possible," ELN representative Juan Carlos Cuellar told a community meeting.

Peace talks between the ELN and the Colombian government had resumed last year.

Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco said the situation was "very serious" and that it violated the agreed ceasefire between the government and the rebels.