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09/03/2007
Kidnapped Britons reported 'unharmed and safe'
Four British embassy employees who were kidnapped in Ethiopia are reported to be unharmed and safe.
According to reports, the Britons - one of whom has joint Italian-British nationality - are being held along with a French citizen and eight Ethiopians by Afar separatist rebels in Eritrea.
They disappeared on March 1 after going sightseeing in the region. The Ethiopians are understood to be acting as tour guides and drivers.
It is understood that the reports of the whereabouts of the group came from Ismael Ali Gardo, the co-founder of the Afar Pastoralists Development Association. He told the Reuters News Agency that the information has come from nomadic herders in Eritrea.
Later on Friday, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said that the group were reported to be in the Afar region and were "safe and secure", although they did not know who the kidnappers were.
However, the country's Information Minister has denied that the group is in the country.
The Foreign Office said that they were looking into the reports.
Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "We have had indications that there are people who are saying that the hostages are OK.
"Obviously the issue of where they are is still something that is having to be looked at."
(KMcA/SP)
According to reports, the Britons - one of whom has joint Italian-British nationality - are being held along with a French citizen and eight Ethiopians by Afar separatist rebels in Eritrea.
They disappeared on March 1 after going sightseeing in the region. The Ethiopians are understood to be acting as tour guides and drivers.
It is understood that the reports of the whereabouts of the group came from Ismael Ali Gardo, the co-founder of the Afar Pastoralists Development Association. He told the Reuters News Agency that the information has come from nomadic herders in Eritrea.
Later on Friday, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said that the group were reported to be in the Afar region and were "safe and secure", although they did not know who the kidnappers were.
However, the country's Information Minister has denied that the group is in the country.
The Foreign Office said that they were looking into the reports.
Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "We have had indications that there are people who are saying that the hostages are OK.
"Obviously the issue of where they are is still something that is having to be looked at."
(KMcA/SP)
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13 March 2007
Britons kidnapped in Ethiopia freed
A group of British embassy workers kidnapped in Ethiopia earlier this month have been released in neighbouring country Eritrea, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has announced.
Britons kidnapped in Ethiopia freed
A group of British embassy workers kidnapped in Ethiopia earlier this month have been released in neighbouring country Eritrea, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has announced.
28 November 2005
Two Britons killed in Iraq
Two British men have been killed in a gun attack in Iraq, it has been reported. The men, who are understood to be Shi’ite Muslims from west London, died when gunmen opened fire on their minibus, which was taking a group of Muslims to visit holy sites. The attack happened at a checkpoint in the Dora neighbourhood.
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Two British men have been killed in a gun attack in Iraq, it has been reported. The men, who are understood to be Shi’ite Muslims from west London, died when gunmen opened fire on their minibus, which was taking a group of Muslims to visit holy sites. The attack happened at a checkpoint in the Dora neighbourhood.
08 July 2009
Youth Programme Pilot 'Did Not Reduce Teenage Pregnancies'
A government-backed pilot scheme to help cut pregnancies among teenagers at risk has been abandoned as it failed to have any significant impact. An independent review published today by the bmj.com was commissioned by the Department of Health to examine the £5.9m Young People’s Development Programme (YPDP).
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20 March 2015
Police Find Woman And Children In Refrigerated Lorry
Police in Bristol have discovered a woman and two children in the back of a refrigerated lorry. Avon and Somerset Police said the driver of the lorry reported hearing voices from inside the lorry. Police believe the woman and children were in the back of the lorry for two days before being discovered.
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28 June 2007
Body find closes M1 near Luton
A stretch of the M1 in Bedfordshire has been closed off after a woman's body was found. Both south and northbound carriages of the motorway have been closed between junctions 10 and 11 near Luton as the scene is investigated. It is understood that a pedestrian may have been struck by traffic.
Body find closes M1 near Luton
A stretch of the M1 in Bedfordshire has been closed off after a woman's body was found. Both south and northbound carriages of the motorway have been closed between junctions 10 and 11 near Luton as the scene is investigated. It is understood that a pedestrian may have been struck by traffic.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
