UK employee killed in Iraq named

Andrew Whyte and a colleague were killed in an ambush

A British security worker killed in an attack in central Iraq on Wednesday has been named.

Andrew Whyte, from Dundee, died along with an Iraqi colleague when the two-vehicle convoy they were travelling in was attacked near the town of Baiji.

Mr Whyte, who worked for London-based security firm Janusian Security Risk Management, was ambushed near the power station he was protecting on Wednesday.

A third man, a Brazilian national, is said to be missing.

In a statement, managing director David Claridge said: "We deeply regret the loss of our colleagues in Iraq and our thoughts are with all their families at this time.

"We are proud of their professionalism and dedication and of the role they played in trying to help in the reconstruction of that country."

It said it was investigating what had happened and was working with the local Iraqi authorities to try to locate their missing employee.

Janusian has operated in Iraq since 17 April, 2003 and provides protection for foreign workers and diplomats against "terrorism, political violence and serious crime", according to its website.

A Foreign Office spokesman said they were aware of the incident, but that it was being handled by the company.

Baghdad blasts

At least a dozen British contractors have been killed in Iraq since the war ended in 2003.

Wednesday also saw 26 people killed in several blasts in Baghdad.

Also, two Iraqis said to be working for a US firm involved in preparations for the Iraqi elections were shown being killed by militants in a video on the internet.

Continuing violence has prompted Iraq to announce new measures to boost security for elections on 30 January.