08/10/2004 17:31 - (SA)
Dubai - A videotape shows British hostage Kenneth Bigley beheaded by his captors in Iraq, a witness who saw the tape said on Friday.
The witness, who asked not to be identified by name, said the tape shows six hooded, armed men standing behind the kneeling Bigley, whom the witness recognised from two previous tapes released by the kidnappers.
One of the six then spoke in Arabic for about a minute.
Afterward, the speaker took a knife from his belt and severed Bigley's head as three others held him down, the witness said. The tape ends with the killer holding up the severed head.
British officials in Baghdad said they had no confirmation that Bigley was dead, and American military authorities said no body had been found.
Bigley beheaded on video - witness
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