Australian held at gunpoint in Somalia

The family of Australian freelance journalist Nigel Brennan say they are deeply concerned following reports he was taken at gunpoint by unknown assailants outside the Somalian capital Mogadishu.

The Australian High Commission in Nairobi is urgently investigating reports the 35-year-old Brisbane-based freelance photographer was kidnapped on Saturday along with a female Canadian journalist.

A statement from DFAT said the Australian High Commissioner had made contact with Somali authorities to seek further information about the incident and to confirm the welfare of Brennan.