09/03/2012

British Hostage Killed During Rescue Attempt

Suspected terrorists in Nigeria have killed a British construction worker and his Italian colleague as UK Special Forces attempted to rescue them. The operation had been given the green light by Prime Minister David Cameron.

David Cameron announced the deaths of Chris McManus, 28, and 47-year-old Franco Lamolinara saying he had authorised the operation after receiving credible information that the lives of the two men were in imminent danger.

He said it appeared the men had been murdered before Special Forces could break through the perimeter buildings where they were held.

The pair, who worked for an Italian construction company, had been held hostage since May last year.

Italian Prime Minister, Mario Manti, was only informed of the operation after it had started, apparently because of the need to move quickly.

(H)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 July 2003
Schröeder demands apology over 'Nazi' gaffe
The German Chancellor has demanded an apology from Silvio Berlusconi following his 'Nazi' gaff in the European Parliament yesterday. Yesterday the Italian Prime Minister was in Strasbourg to address the European Parliament as his country took over the EU's six-month presidency.
09 October 2009
Queen Honours Iraq Troops
A service was held today at St Paul's Cathedral to mark to contribution of UK troops who served in Iraq. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh led the ceremony, along with the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal. They gathered at the church to commemorate the 179 killed during the Gulf operation, which officially ended in April.
25 November 2011
Changes To EU Arrangement Agreed
France, Germany and Italy have agreed to propose changing EU treaties to "improve governance" of the eurozone, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced on Thursday.
20 April 2005
Berlusconi announces plans to resign
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has announced that will resign from his post today, in order to form a new government. Mr Berlusconi was expected to visit President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi today in order to formally tender his resignation.
12 October 2010
Children Safeguarded In Major Operation
Twenty eight children have been safeguarded as part of a major operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police in east London this morning. The operation involved potential victims of a Romanian-based Roma gang of child traffickers.