THE body of murdered hostage Jason Swindlehurst was flown home from Iraq.

The father-of-one, of Skelmersdale, was brought back to the UK by the RAF early yesterday with the body of fellow hostage Jason Creswell.

Their relatives were present when the flight from Baghdad arrived at RAF Lyneham at 5.55am.

The bodies of the two men, both security guards, were handed over to Iraqi authorities last weekend. Three other hostages remain missing, two years after being kidnapped.

A police officer was stationed outside Mr Swindlehurst’s family home yesterday.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “The bodies of Jason Swindlehurst and Jason Creswell were repatriated earlier today.

“An RAF flight from Baghdad arrived at RAF Lyneham at 5.55am.

“Family members were present as the flight arrived. Foreign Office staff accompanied them.

“The families have asked for privacy. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“Foreign Office staff remain in close contact with all the families.

“We continue to do everything we can for the release of the other hostages.”