The two-year nightmare for the family of Iraq hostage Jason Swindlehurst has ended tragically. Mark Johnson reports
The spokesman added: “Our clients and our teams have shown considerable bravery and commitment to supporting peace and reconciliation in the region.
“GardaWorld remains committed to the wellbeing and safety of its clients and employees and to bringing about the security and improvements that all the Iraqi people deserve in their lives.
“We wish to express our continuing support for our clients, our teams and our families who continue to put themselves at risk in the hope that stability will be brought to the region.”
Joe Gavaghan, PR executive for the Montreal-based firm, would not reveal the number of British ex-military personnel the company employed.
But he added: “We only employ the best, highest-trained people.”
The families of the other hostages yesterday spoke of the heartache.
Mr Moore’s father, Graeme, described the wait for confirmation as “torture” – but said his thoughts were now with the family members of the four other hostages.
The 59-year-old delivery driver, from Leicestershire, added: “Today’s information brings very mixed feelings. Obviously, I hope my son is alive but I feel desperate for the other families.
“What they are going through is unimaginable.”
Captain Doug Beattie, who recently retired from service with the Royal Irish Regiment, said the bodies were a “signal” to the British Government and the security company which employed the two dead captives.
Mr Beattie, who served in Iraq and was later decorated for bravery in Afghanistan, said the evidence would suggest “deep, deep negotiations” are ongoing behind the scenes.
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague said: “This is deeply sad and distressing news, in particular for the families who have been waiting so long to know what has happened to their loved ones.
“We must still not give up hope for some of the hostages, or relax the constant efforts to bring them home.”
The bodies of the two men had not been mutilated, a Government source said.
British forensic scientists were last night trying to establish how the two men died.
