Gordon Brown demands immediate release of British hostages after kidnappers claim one man has committed suicide

Prime Minister Gordon Brown was today demanding the 'immediate and unconditional' release of British hostages being held in Iraq, following a militant group's claim that one of the five men had committed suicide.

A video passed to the Sunday Times claimed that the man - known only as Jason - killed himself on May 25, four days short of the first anniversary of their abduction.

A second hostage was shown on the video pleading for Government action to speed their release and warning that he was suffering physically and psychologically after 14 months in captivity.

The Foreign Office last night said it had no independent verification of the claims in the video and could not comment on their veracity.

But the Prime Minister confirmed that intensive efforts were under way behind the scenes to find a solution to the situation.

Mr Brown raised the plight of the hostages with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki during a visit to Baghdad yesterday.

The five men - an IT consultant named Peter Moore and four bodyguards whose identities have not been confirmed - were kidnapped in May last year from the Iraqi finance ministry by a Shi'ite group who are demanding the release of prisoners from American detention.

A statement signed by The Shi'ite Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which was passed with the video to the Sunday Times, accuses the British Government of failing to respond to messages from the kidnappers and their captives.

'This procrastination and foot-dragging and lack of seriousness on the part of the British Government has prolonged their psychological deterioration, pushing one of them, Jason, to commit suicide on 25/5/2008,' the statement said.

'He surprised our brethren, who were taking care of him, with his suicide.'

Family members of the five Britons held hostage in Iraq plea on television for their release on the one year anniversary of their capture in May this year

The video - entitled Intihar, which is Arabic for suicide - featured a still photo of a man in a football shirt who was identified by the militant as Jason, alongside the text of the statement in Arabic.

The second hostage - understood to be a father-of-two from Scotland called Alan - was shown in moving footage pleading for his release.

'Physically, I'm not doing well. Psychologically, I'm doing a lot worse. I want to see my family again,' he said.

'I would like for the British Government to please hurry. Please hurry and try and get this resolved as soon as possible.'

In a statement released by Downing Street, Mr Brown said: 'Clearly this is a very distressing development. We are taking this very seriously.

'There are many people working behind the scenes trying to find a solution.

'I raised the case of these men with Prime Minister Maliki. We both share a desire to see them returned safely to their families. I call on those holding the hostages to release them immediately and unconditionally.'

One of the five Britons seized as hostages in Iraq last year urges the government to arrange their release

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said that the video and letter would cause 'deep distress and concern to the families of the five men'

In a statement, he condemned hostage taking as 'a disgusting crime which is never justified' and emphasised the families' appeal for the men's release on humanitarian grounds.

'The latest message from the hostage takers, in the form of a letter and video, will cause deep distress and concern to the families of the five men,' said Mr Miliband.

'As in the case of previous messages from the hostage takers, the Government emphasises the humanitarian appeal of the families for the men's release.

'The Foreign Office is in close contact with the men's families to offer all possible support.

'We are also in close contact with the Iraqi Government and with others in Iraq who recognise the need to find a way forward.

'Our officials in Iraq continue to be ready to work with anyone prepared to help in this case.

'Over the last six months, more and more people in Iraq have rejected violence and entered the political process.

'There is still a long way to go. We will continue to work with all those who seek peace and reconciliation.'

The Sunday Times reported that an intermediary who handed the video to its representative said that the hostage known as Jason had attempted suicide on two previous occasions.

Proof of death would be provided only if the British Government agreed to negotiate, he said.

Peter Moore pleads with the government: He is said to be one of the hostages in Baghdad