The two-year nightmare for the family of Iraq hostage Jason Swindlehurst has ended tragically. Mark Johnson reports

DEAD West Lancashire hostage Jason Swindlehurst was last night described as an “outstanding individual”.

Mr Swindlehurst’s remains and those of his Scottish colleague, Jason Creswell, were handed over to the authorities in Baghdad late on Friday. They were among five Britons taken captive on May 29, 2007, by about 40 armed men wearing police uniforms at the Iraqi Finance Ministry.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said they had informed the families “with deep regret”.

She added: “We continue to do everything we can towards the safe release of the other hostages.”

Family members “clinging on to hope” were informed of the forensic results yesterday morning.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband described the developments as “distressing” and said the British authorities had worked with the Iraqi authorities with the hope that the men would be released alive and well.

The dead men worked as security guards for Canadian security firm GardaWorld. They were protecting IT consultant Peter Moore.

Mr Moore and two other guards – named only as Alan, from Scotland, and Alec, from South Wales – were also kidnapped.

Police last night stood guard outside Mr Swindlehurst’s semi-detached family home in Marlborough Gardens, Skelmersdale.

Residents in the quiet cul-de-sac described the father-of-one as a “lovely fellow” and the news as “tragic”.

Mr Swindlehurst's parents, Russell and Marie, are thought to have moved to Malta several years ago.

He had a young daughter, a sister Lizzette and a brother Clint – a soldier believed to be serving in Germany.

Last night, family friends turned up to post cards of condolence to the family’s house located in the Ashurst area of the town.

A neighbour said: “My feelings are with the family. I heard on the news what had happened and it was a shock to find out that it was one of my neighbours.”

At the Prince William pub, in Dalton, locals fondly remembered Mr Swindlehurst.

One said: “Jason was a very fit lad. He had a fantastic physique and was very handsome. Some of the lads were jealous of his frame but in a nice way.

“He was never in any trouble and he kept himself to himself. But he would have a drink and he would go clubbing with his mates.

“He would also got to ‘The Polo’ and The Highwayman.”

Another said: “He would come back after six months, have a blow out and then go back to do his work abroad. He was well-liked.”

Bosses of the security firm which employed the dead hostages last paid tribute to their bravery.

A spokesman for GardaWorld also insisted the company was doing everything in its powers to ensure the remaining three captives were released.

He said Jason Creswell and Jason Swindlehurst were “outstanding individuals and experts”.

In a statement released on behalf of the Canadian firm, the spokesman said: “GardaWorld expresses sympathy and deep concern over the deaths of two GardaWorld professionals who were abducted in Iraq more than two years ago.

“This development is deeply shocking for the company and particularly for the families and friends of the victims.

“Our thoughts are with them at this tremendously sad and difficult time. We are continuing to do everything we can to provide them with the support they need during this tragedy.

“These two professionals were outstanding individuals and experts who commanded the respect of all those who knew and worked with them.

“They will be deeply missed by their friends and colleagues. We continue to be deeply concerned for the remaining three hostages and are doing everything we can to achieve their release.

The multi-million-pound security firm operates in some of the world’s most dangerous territories, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza and north Africa.