Police in Malawi are investigating the kidnapping of a British national who was abducted in the southern African nation’s main city, Blantyre.

Nusrat Osman, 47, was seized at around 12:30 local time on Friday by four men who had been travelling in a grey Nissan Dualis, according to a police statement.

The authorities have offered a reward of more than $17,000 (£12,600) for “credible information” that could lead to the rescue of the mother of two young children and the prosecution of the perpetrators.

Osman was reported to have been working for a local auditing firm.

A Malawi news outlet reported that Osman’s husband was in anguish about the disappearance.

“I don’t know where she is or how she is. My wife is an auditor and I have no issues with anyone,” he was quoted by Nyasa Times as saying.

Police said the motive behind the abduction was unknown and that so far the kidnappers have not contacted the victim’s family or the authorities.

BBC News has contacted the UK Foreign Office for comment.