Two hostages' bodies handed over in Iraq, says UK Minister

London: The British government says bodies thought to be those of two hostages have been handed over to UK forces in Iraq.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband says the bodies have not been formally identified but are believed to be the remains of two of five British men kidnapped in 2007.

Negotiations had been under way to secure the men's release. Miliband said on Saturday the development was distressing.