A LEADING figure at the tour operator who an Exmouth couple booked their nightmare holiday through has played down the severity of their incident. Sanjay Sofat, operations director at Somak Holidays, was saddened to hear about their unfortunate ordeal but

A LEADING figure at the tour operator who an Exmouth couple booked their nightmare holiday through has played down the severity of their incident.

Sanjay Sofat, operations director at Somak Holidays, was saddened to hear about their unfortunate ordeal but said it was most unusual - a contrast to what Mr and Mrs Smith found out while on the trip.

Critical of security at the Cove Retreat, the Exmouth couple spoke to a lady prior to the attack, who had twice been burgled at her home near the site in the last six months.

Mr Sofat said: "At Somak we do out utmost to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to engage competent suppliers who provide a service with reasonable skill and care.

"In this particular case we believe the Masai Security Guards were competent for the job which is normally expected of them."

Somak Holidays, who have scooped a number of awards for its tours to Africa, have offered the Exmouth couple �2290 for the unused part of their trip.

A spokesperson for the company added: "Somak and the staff at the Cove Retreat are working closely with the British Consulate and authorities in Mombassa to assist in the investigation into this incident.

"We offer our sympathies and support to the couple as they recover from what was a terrifying experience.