on Sky News now..
the bodies of what are believed to be 2 UK hostages have been handed to UK by Iraqi authorities. the bodies are atm not able to be identified as they are thought to be fairly old (ie decayed). Families have been counseled.
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link to news.sky.com]
David Miliband said the UK did not yet have confirmation about who they were.
But the Government's thoughts were with the families of five British people taken hostage in Iraq in May 2007, the Foreign Secretary continued.
"This is terrible moment of uncertainty and fear for them," Mr Miliband said.
The politician described the developments as "distressing". "We do not yet have confirmation of who they are.
"Forensic examinations are under way to establish their identities and the causes of death as soon as possible.
"As would be the case with any development of this kind, (the families of British hostages) will fear the worst for their loved ones."
Sky News' foreign affairs editor Tim Marshall said: "It was my understanding that two bodies were handed to the Iraqi government last night (Friday).
"They immediately informed the British because they had been told these are British hostages.
"But it is my understanding, the bodies are several months old, that they died - however they died - several months ago, so they will have to be identified by DNA."
Mr Miliband said the Foreign Office was in close touch with the hostages' families and urged the media to "give them as much space as possible in these very difficult hours and days".
"Hostage-taking is never justified in any cause. Today's terrible news underlines the gravity of the crimes associated with it."
He reiterated Britain's call for the immediate safe release of "all the remaining hostages".
"I also confirm that we are working intensively towards that goal but I also have to say the threat to them remains very high indeed."
happy now?