British geologist killed while searching for oil in Ethiopia

The 39-year-old was killed on Monday near Danot town in the Warder zone of Ethiopia.

He worked for IMC Geophysics International Ltd which was subcontracted to the Malaysian oil giant Petronas.

The killing took place in the conflict-ravaged Ogaden region in the south-east of the country.

It is believed the man was attacked while driving on his own in what officials have described as an "act of banditry".

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national on April 5 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."

Ethiopia's communication minister, Bereket Simon, said: "We have reports that the incident has occurred and is an act of banditry.

"The deceased did not take security measures and was driving alone.

"Following the act the local militia had confronted the perpetrators and had taken measures on them.

"We understand that the act was not politically motivated."

Ethiopia is not an oil producer but Chinese companies and Petronas have signed exploration deals.

The Somali-speaking Ogaden region has long been riven with fighting as separatist groups battle for independence.

The Ogaden National Liberation Front attack in 2007 on a Chinese-run oil exploration field left 74 people dead.

Abdirahman Mahdi, who is spokesman for the rebels, said: "As far as we know, our fighters are not involved in such barbaric attacks. Our troops do not have permission to target foreign civilians. But we will investigate the circumstances."