British hostage freed in Bulgaria

A British hostage has been freed in a dramatic police operation in Bulgaria, the Foreign Office confirmed today.

Officers raided a property near Sofia late last night and rescued Christo Thanos.

One of the kidnappers - who had demanded a £44,000 ransom - was killed during the operation and two others were arrested, according to the Bulgarian Interior Ministry.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "A British national was being held against their will in Bulgaria and has been released in a police operation."

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said they had been informed a 59-year-old Briton was being held hostage on Sunday.

"Two officers were sent to act in a liaison capacity. Bulgarian police retained operational control at all times."

She added that the Met officers were not present during the rescue operation.

Local police reportedly shot one of the kidnappers dead after he opened fire on them.