Body of Manchester aid worker captured in Ukraine shows signs of 'unspeakable torture'

The body of an aid worker from Manchester who reportedly died after being captured by Russian forces in Ukraine shows signs of 'possible unspeakable torture', Ukraine’s foreign minister has said.

Paul Urey, 45, died in captivity in July, according to the human rights ombudsperson for the Moscow-supported leadership in Donetsk. Daria Morozova, the ombudsperson, branded Mr Urey a 'mercenary' and claimed he died in captivity of chronic illnesses and stress.

“From our side, he was given the necessary medical assistance despite the grave crimes he committed,” she added. However, Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday Mr Urey’s body had been returned 'with signs of possible unspeakable torture'.

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He wrote on Twitter: "Russians have returned the body of a British humanitarian worker Paul Urie whom they captured in April and reported dead due to 'illnesses' and 'stress' in July. With signs of possible unspeakable torture. Detaining and torturing civilians is barbarism and a heinous war crime.

"I express my deepest condolences to relatives and close ones of Paul. He was a brave man who dedicated himself to saving people. Ukraine will never forget him and his deeds. We will identify perpetrators of this crime and hold them to account. They won’t escape justice."

Mr Urey was born in Manchester in 1977. He also lived in Warrington and Preston.

His daughters Chelsea, 20, and Courtney Coman, 17, from Audenshaw, told the Manchester Evening News that they were informed of their dad's tragic death by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Following the news of his death, Mr Urey’s mother Linda Urey