Guards tell how they fought for aid worker

The bodyguard and driver of aid worker Margaret Hassan were badly beaten when she was snatched in Baghdad, it was revealed today.

The two men were injured as they tried to fight off her abductors on Monday near her Care International offices. One suffered a severe head wound.

Her husband Tahsin Ali Hassan said: "They could hardly talk after the ordeal They were in such shock, and I am shocked too."

Mr Hassan appealed "in the name of humanity, Islam and brotherhood" for his wife of 30 years to be released.

"I'm really very afraid," said Mr Hassan. "I don't know who these people are. If they were good people, she would talk to them because she is very kind and understanding."

There have been no demands made by the kidnappers. A video of Mrs Hassan being held captive was shown on Monday.