A British engineer held hostage in Iraq has made an emotional public appeal for his release, urging Tony Blair to accede to the demands of his kidnappers.

Kenneth Bigley, a 62-year-old contractor seized last week by Islamist militants, said: “I think this is possibly my last chance, I don’t want to die . . . I need you to help me Mr Blair, because you are the only person now on God’s earth who can help me.” Blindfolded and with his voice cracking he added: “Please help me see my wife, who cannot go on without me, she really can’t.”