Dead British hostages identified

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The remains of Mr Creswell, originally from Glasgow, and Mr Swindlehurst, originally from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, were handed over to authorities in Baghdad late on Friday.

Family members who had been "clinging on to hope" after Foreign Secretary David Miliband said everyone involved in efforts to release the men had "failed" were informed of the forensic results on Sunday morning.

The two men were among five Britons taken captive in May 2007.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said they had informed the families "with deep regret".

She added: "Our thoughts are with them at this sad time, and we ask that the media allow them privacy to deal with this news. We continue to do everything we can towards the safe release of the other hostages."

They worked as security guards for the Canadian security firm GardaWorld to protect Peter Moore, an IT consultant. Mr Moore and two other guards - named only as Alan, from Scotland, and Alec, from South Wales - were also kidnapped.

Mr Creswell and Mr Swindlehurst were identified "based on very strong indications", the spokeswoman added.

The families of the other hostages spoke of the heartache. Mr Moore's father, Graeme, described the wait for confirmation as "torture" - but said his thoughts were now with the the family members of the four other hostages.

The 59-year-old delivery driver, from Leicestershire, added: "Today's information brings very mixed feelings. Obviously, I hope my son is alive but I feel desperate for the other families. What they are going through is unimaginable."