Briton killed in ambush by Ethiopian guerrillas is named

A BRITISH geologist shot dead by gunmen in Ethiopia was named yesterday as Jason Read.

The 39-year-old was killed on Monday when his car was ambushed near Danot Town in the conflict-ravaged Ogaden region in the country's south-east.

Mr Read worked for IMC Geophysics International – part of TESLA-IMC International – which was subcontracted to the Malaysian oil giant Petronas.

A company statement said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragedy and our sincere thoughts and sympathies are with Jason's family."

Mr Read, his driver and military escort were victims of an "unprovoked attack", his company said.

Authorities have labelled the killing as "an act of banditry".

The TESLA-IMC International statement said: "Jason was working on our crew 894 which was undertaking a seismic survey on behalf of Petronas Carigali when Jason, his driver and military escort came under unprovoked attack from armed persons unknown.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragedy and our sincere thoughts and sympathies are with Jason's family."

"A full investigation is under way and all appropriate authorities have been informed."

Mr Read had worked for TESLA since 2004, working in Ethiopia, Uganda and Europe.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national on 5 April near Danot Town in the Warder zone of Ethiopia. Next of kin have been informed and we have offered the family full consular assistance.

"The Ethiopian authorities are carrying out a full inquiry and we are liaising closely with them."