Arafat says he’ll back efforts to free Bigley

PALESTINIAN leader Yasser Arafat has pledged his support to efforts to release Briton Ken Bigley, the hostage’s brother Paul said last night.

He told ITV News it was “fantastic news” and the biggest breakthrough so far in the bid for the 62-year-old civil engineer to be freed.

Paul Bigley said he had been contacted by the delegate of the Palestinian authority in Ireland, telling him of a personal letter signed by Mr Arafat.