17 American and Canadian missionaries kidnapped by gang members in Haiti

17 missionaries from the United States and Canada, some of them minors, have been kidnapped in Haiti.

Officials say a notorious gang is behind the kidnap.

The five men, seven women and five children were returning from a visit to an orphanage when they were abducted.

Officials say they are being held by the 400 Mawozo gang - also blamed for the kidnap of Catholic clergy in April.

Haiti has one of the highest rates of kidnapping in the world.

Christian Aid Ministries, which supports Haitians largely through donations and supplies shelter, food and clothing to children and helps to fund their education, in a statement says it was "praying for those who are being held hostage, the kidnappers, and the families, friends, and churches of those affected".

[Source: CNN/BBC]