News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The kidnapped mother-in-law of Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has been rescued by police in Brazil in a daring raid.

The anti-kidnapping division of the Sao Paulo police stormed the building where Aparecida Schunck was being held and have taken two suspects in custody.

She is said to be in good health.

"The victim is good, two were arrested, the action was around 18:40," said the delegate Elisabete Sato of DHPP.

Aparecida was snatched from her home by an armed gang posing a delivery drivers.

Neighbours say Aparecida, the mother of the billionaire’s wife Fabiana Flosi, was duped into opening the security door to her gated home by men carrying a fake box.

After pushing their way in they then threatened violence against the 67-year-old ordering her at knife point into her own car which was then driven away by the gang.

One resident told how she thought the kidnappers may have had guns.

Sao Paulo’s elite anti-kidnap division led the hunt for Ms Schunck whose life was valued at £28 million by her abductors.

Specialists negotiators continued to work with the gang, who demanded the ransom paid in British sterling separated in four plastic bags.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

But at around 6.40pm local time on Sunday, Aparecida was freed in the Coatia area of Greater Sao Paulo.

Although two people were detained, police are still seeking more suspected members of the kidnapping gang.

The £28million ransom demanded was not paid, according to reports in local media.

Neighbours of Ms Schunck in the affluent Jardim Santa Helena area had said they were becoming increasingly concerned for her safety over the length of time she had been held.

One, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “Recent years have seen the number of kidnappings that once plagued our neighbourhood fall but when they did happen it was never for this long.

(Image: Getty)

“Everyone is extremely worried for Aparecida. She is such a lovely woman.”

The neighbour added the Schunck’s had moved to the area after Fabiana met Ecclestone.

After buying the property they increased security measures adding a wire fence on top of the wall.

(Image: Getty)

“They came here for the safety it provides,” she added.

“Where they once lived was okay but not safe for the family of someone so rich.

“Their house here is well protected. There is a 10 foot wall all around it. Unless you have a key you have to be let in.

“The gang posed with a box saying they had a delivery in order to get in. It was when the door was opened they forced their way in.

(Image: WENN)

“The forced Aparecida into her own car as they left.”

Police have enforced a strict blackout on information as expert hostage negotiators work with the gang to try and ensure Ms Schunck’s release.

Investigators believe the kidnappers watched the home for several months gathering information on her movements before striking.

(Image: Getty)

Organised gangs usually carry out “express kidnappings” in which the victim is frog-marched at gunpoint to a nearby ATM and ordered to withdraw large sums of cash.

But as time passes police believe the gang to be highly sophisticated possibly moving Ms Schunck to several locations including outside the city limits to avoid being found.

(Image: WENN)

Abduction was common in Brazil a decade ago, with Sao Paulo seeing an abduction every 27 hours in 2002, but declined after police formed a special anti-kidnap division and cracked down.

However despite the drop the tactics used by gangs have become more ruthless.

Victims have had ears and fingers cut off and sent to their families as a sign of the kidnappers intent if the ransom is not met.