Philip Bigley spoke last night of his brother Ken's "compassion and sense of humour" and thanked everyone - adding pointedly "from all religious backgrounds" - who had prayed on his behalf. Reading a statement on behalf of the family, he said: "We can confirm that the family has received absolute proof that Ken Bigley was executed by his captors.
"How we all, as individuals, handle crisis situations will differ from person to person, family member to family member. It is important to be considerate of one another's views and actions. In that respect, the family here in Liverpool believes that our Government did all it possibly could to secure the release of Ken in this impossible situation.
"It could be that the fate of Ken, Eugene and Jack [the two Americans abducted with him\] was sealed from day one. We will never know.
"Over the last few weeks we have successfully shielded our mother from the painful and graphic details shown on television and in the press. The bereavement of a child, no matter how old, is hard enough without this additional anguish.
"The family would like to ask the media to help by leaving us to grieve in the privacy of our own homes and continue to respect that privacy thereafter. Our mother is home from hospital and wants me to thank everyone for such kind thoughts and wishes, and to tell you that she will be strong for her family.
"To those who have prayed for Ken and our family, from all religious backgrounds, we thank you. We will always remember Ken for his love, compassion and, above all, his 'Liverpool' sense of humour. He was a truly wonderful father, husband, brother and son.
"The loss to our family, especially to Craig [Ken Bigley's son] and Ken's wife, Lek, is immeasurable. The horror of these final days will haunt us for ever. Our only consolation is that Ken is now at peace, away from those who are capable of such atrocities."