A MERSEY dad trekked across the Sahara desert for hours in an incredible escape from terrorists who laid siege to the Algerian gas plant.

Kirkby dad David Murray, 47, climbed over a barbed wire fence in the early hours to make his brave break for freedom.

He was among the dozens of foreign workers held captive at the remote In Anemas gas facility by Islamist militants linked to an al-Qaida terror group.

Two Liverpool men Garry Barlow, 49, and Paul Morgan, 46, were among six British hostages slaughtered in the four- day massacre.

Dad-of-two Mr Murray was among eight colleagues who risked execution by daring to flee after being holed up inside the compound for almost two days.

They toppled a barbed wire fence and walked for hours in the baking desert heat seeking refuge.

The group wandered for 15 miles, suffering exhaustion and dehydration, before four of them made it to an Army checkpoint.

Four of the group who were lagging behind were later rescued by Algerian forces.

They had hid behind sand dunes fearing they would be found and killed by militants. Everton fan Mr Murray was last night being comforted by wife Anna, 44, and sons Jonathan, 18, and AJ, 12, as he came to terms with his ordeal.

The BP engineer wrote on Facebook: “I am now home with Anna and the boys and I am grateful to everyone for their love and support.

“I can't stop thinking of what we all went through out there.