Footballer's brother is kidnapped

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The 15-year-old brother of an international player at Birmingham City Football Club has been kidnapped.

Edwin Rene Palacios, the brother of Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios, was snatched in the central American country on Tuesday.

Officials in Honduras said the parents were tied up after kidnappers stormed into a home in La Ceiba, which is north of the capital Tegucigalpa.

The club said the midfielder has decided to remain in the UK for now.

It said the international could return to Honduras at any time if he wanted to.

The 24-year-old international arrived at Blues on loan from the Honduran club Olimpia in August.

In a statement, the Premiership club said it was "supporting the player at this difficult time and helping him to remain in constant contact with his family in Honduras".

It said: "The matter is being dealt with capably by the Honduran police, therefore Wilson is staying in the UK in the hope that his 15-year-old brother, Edwin Rene, will be returned to his family soon.

"Our thoughts are with Wilson and his family and everyone at the club is praying for Edwin's speedy and safe return."

At least 32 people have been kidnapped this year in Honduras.