Venezuela’s government was condemned on Thursday for the arrest of opposition leader Juan Guaido’s deputy, which the European Union described as “another flagrant violation” of the country’s constitution.

Edgar Zambrano, the vice president of the national assembly, which Mr Guaido leads, had his car surrounded on Wednesday night by agents from Sebin, the military intelligence. When he refused to get out of the car Sebin used a tow truck to take Mr Zambrano to El Helicoide, Sebin’s headquarters and cells.

"We warn the people of Venezuela and the international community: the regime has kidnapped the first vice-president" said Mr Guaido.