Tributes paid to murdered journalist

FRIENDS of an Irish journalist shot dead in Saudi Arabia paid tribute last night to a man who was bigger than life and a joy to be around.

Simon Cumbers, shot dead by militants in the capital, Riyadh, while working on assignment with the BBC, was a consummate professional, enthusiastic, optimistic, determined and very loyal, said his friend and colleague Charles Miller.

As relatives and friends gathered at the family home in Meath, the Irish Embassy in the capital was working with the BBC and officials in the Gulf state to organise the return of Mr Cumber's body. It is expected his funeral will be held in Ireland, though the 36-year-old has lived in Britain for just over a decade.