"Both families have endured a terrible ordeal, and this is a devastating moment for all of them."

Cameron: Crimes like these are a scourge

Cameron: Crimes like these are a scourge

Prime minister David Cameron gives his condolences to the families of the hostages killed yesterday in Nigeria:

"Our immediate thoughts must be with Chris and Franco's families, and we offer them our sincerest condolences.

"Both families have endured a terrible ordeal, and this is a devastating moment for all of them.

"I also want to pay tribute to all those, including UK personnel, who worked so hard to try to bring Chris home safely. I am very sorry that this ended so tragically.

"I ask that the media respect the family’s privacy and allow them time to come to terms with their loss.

"Terrorism and appalling crimes such as these are a scourge on our world. No-one should be in any doubt about our determination to fight and to defeat them."