War ends late for Bosnian hermit

Soldiers have brought Mr Panincic food and clothes

The Bosnian war has finally ended for Illija Panincic - six years after the soldiers put down their arms.

Mr Panincic had taken to the hills in 1996, and had not found out that the civil war had come to an end.

The former shepherd was discovered by British peacekeepers living off nuts and berries in an abandoned house.

His only neighbour was a brown bear who used to scratch at the door.

Speechless

"When we first got there, he was a dirty, smelly, bearded man who said nothing and just stared at us.

Mr Panincic was wary of other people at first

"He was very withdrawn and very cautious of anyone near him," said Major Nigel Taylor from the Nato-led Stabilisation Force.

The years without human contact meant Mr Panincic had lost some of his ability to speak.

But he has not sought out company since being discovered.

"He has got the opportunity to come down now but is content to stay where he is, and only trusts the people he has got to know," the major said.

TV future

Mr Panincic went into self-imposed exile after his brothers were executed by Croat authorities.

He was found five months ago by a local walking group who notified the Nato peacekeepers.

Since then British soldiers have been bring food and clothing to his hideaway.

Major Taylor said that without their help he might have died this winter, which was particularly harsh.

The soldiers now want to raise money to install a power supply to his home so he can have television and stay up to date with the world.