Liverpool Says Goodbye To Ken Bigley

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Several Irish politicians are to attend a memorial service for murdered British hostage Ken Bigley in Liverpool today.

They will join members of Mr Bigley’s family, including his mother Lil and his wife Sombat, for the service at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.

British Prime Minister Blair is expected to fly directly into Liverpool from Washington, where he has been holding talks with US President George Bush.

Both Christian and Muslim leaders will take part in today’s service, which will celebrate the life of the 62-year-old Liverpool-born engineer, who was beheaded by Muslim extremists in Iraq last month.

Mr Bigley’s body has never been recovered.

During the service Ken Bigley’s 10-year-old niece, Hannah Bigley, will sing "Safe in the Father’s Hands", accompanied by the cathedral’s Centenary Girls’ Choir.

Members of the family will also read the meditation "Death is nothing at all" by Henry Scott Holland, and give their thoughts and a testimonial.

The service will be addressed by the Rt Revd Patrick Kelly, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool, and reading will be given from both the Bible and the Koran.

During the singing of the opening hymn Books of Condolence will be laid on a table, next to a photograph of Ken Bigley, at the Chancel steps.

Merseyside Police said the memorial service, which is open to the public, will include a very tight security operation.

They warned that no parking would be available in the area surrounding the cathedral and advised motorists to avoid the area.

The service, which starts at 11am, is expected to last for an hour.

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